City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, has awarded Maternity Action, based in Islington, £138,000 for a London helpline supporting the women with employment advice.

In 2018, the charity’s Maternity Rights Advice Line answered nearly 2,000 calls. It saw a huge demand for advice around maternity pay, redundancy, dismissal, and benefits from people struggling to make ends meet during their maternity or parental pay period.

In 2017 , for every call the charity’s national helpline received, five went unanswered, showing the need for an new line to ensure as many Londoners as possible are helped.

The funding will also pay for a follow-up support programme and outreach work with other organisations helping pregnant women, particularly those on low incomes and from the capital’s black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Alison Gowman, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said:

“There is a clear demand for this service. This new helpline will mean even more people can access the advice they need on maternity and employment issues.

“Many pregnant women and new mothers on low incomes are effected by problems around employment and pay. And expert advice can make a fundamental difference to their situation.

“Tackling disadvantage is essential to making the capital a fairer and better place to live – for all Londoners.”

Rosalind Bragg, Director of Maternity Action, said:

"This grant will go towards expanding our advice service and providing free, expert advice to pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace.

“We will be able to help them exercise their rights and resolve difficulties with their employers.”

The organisation sets itself apart from other charities working in this sector. It does this through its expertise in combining work related advice with income and benefits expert advice, providing support across all areas for the duration of pregnancy and early parenthood.

One in nine pregnant women and new mothers at work lose their jobs as a result of unlawful discrimination, with another 20% reporting that they’ve lost out financially. This impacts on health and wellbeing with increased levels of stress and anxiety for pregnant women.

Many of the women affected by maternity discrimination are in part time and/or low paid employment where English is not their first language and who are not aware of their rights.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of the City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates. It is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital.

The Trust has awarded around 8,000 grants totalling over £400 million since it firstbegan in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of Bridge House Estates, a Registered Charity, with its primary aim the maintenance and support of five Thames bridges: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark, Blackfriars and the Millennium footbridge.

City Bridge Trust was established in 1995 to make use of funds surplus to bridge requirements and provides grants totalling around £20m per year towards charitable activity benefitting Greater London. The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of the Bridge House Estates.

]]>news,city,charity,maternity,parentingThu, 21 Mar 2019 17:16:49 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_cbtlogo-4.jpg?10000Students from City of London Corporation’s family of schools take part in annual debating competitionhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/students-from-city-of-london-corporations-family-of-schools-take-part-in-annual-debating-competition/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/students-from-city-of-london-corporations-family-of-schools-take-part-in-annual-debating-competition/More than 30 students from the City of London Corporation’s family of schools gathered to take part in an annual debating competition.

The competition, which was held at Guildhall, the City of London Corporation’s headquarters, on Monday (11/03), saw students split into eight teams debating the topic ‘Did nuclear weapons help to make the world safer between 1945 and 1951’. Pupils were split into teams of ‘agree’ and disagree’ to debate the topic.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors10 schools across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. It also supports one maintained primary in the Square Mile as well as three independent schools.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

Henry Colthurst, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:

“Debating strengthens speaking and reasoning skills in a fun and interesting manner, and helps prepare young people for the world of work.

“We want to give young Londoners access to the information, advice and experiences that will help them to progress into fulfilling careers.

“Congratulations to all the students that took part and to the winning teams.”

Andrew McMurtrie, Chair of the City of London Academies Trust, said:

“We are committed to providing outstanding education opportunities for all students.

“Debating is a great way of allowing pupils to engage with a broad range of social, scientific and ethical issues.

“We’re proud of all of our students that took part in the competition.”

Prizes were awarded to the winning teams, the most convincing debater, the most entertaining debater, and best question from the audience.

Winners were awarded vouchers to the Barbican to visit a show or an event.

Students from the City of London Academy Highgate Hill, City of London Academy Southwark, City of London Academy Islington, City of London Academy Shoreditch Park, City of London Academy Highbury Grove, City of London Schools for Girls, City of London School, and City of London Freemen’s School, all took part.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation’s family of schools has one maintained primary school and 10 sponsored or co-sponsored academies in neighbouring boroughs. It also supports three independent schools.

The City of London Corporation sponsors, co-sponsors or governs the following schools:

Co-sponsored academies

City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City University)

The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academies Trust:

City of London Academy (Southwark)

Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

City of London Primary Academy Islington

City of London Academy Highgate Hill

City of London Academy Highbury Grove

City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School

Independent:

City of London School

City of London School for Girls

City of London Freemen’s School

]]>News,Debating,schools,london,competition,islington,high gate,southwark,City,winners,prizesThu, 21 Mar 2019 16:16:22 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_file13-715467.jpeg?10000City Corporation encourages donations to DEC’s Cyclone Idai Appeal after giving £30khttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-encourages-donations-to-decs-cyclone-idai-appeal-after-giving-30k/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-encourages-donations-to-decs-cyclone-idai-appeal-after-giving-30k/The City of London Corporation has given £30,000 to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Cyclone Idai Appeal and is encouraging donations from City firms and individuals.

The money given to the DEC appeal will help coordinate the humanitarian response to this crisis, supporting the communities affected by the cyclone.

The donation comes from the City Corporation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which seeks to relieve human suffering, bringing its total donations in the last two years to £200,000.

Over the past few days, Cyclone Idai has swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe causing widespread destruction.

It has also led to floods, the death and injuring of thousands of people, and the destruction of crops.

Across the three countries, more than 2.6 million people could be affected and the port city of Beira, which was hit on Friday and is home to 500,000 people, is now almost completely cut off.

Thousands of families are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medical treatment.

In the past two years, the City of London Corporation has given £25,000 towards the We Love Manchester Appeal following the devastating terror attack in the city, £70,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Indonesia Tsunami Appeals, and £75,000 in total to emergency appeals in Burma, South Asia and for those affected by Hurricane Irma.

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of City of London Corporation’s Finance Committee, said:

“This extreme storm has devastated three countries in southern Africa in a very short period of time.

“So many people have lost their lives, communities have been torn apart and livelihoods have been destroyed.

“We strongly encourage City firms to support this appeal.

“We need to focus on getting food, water and shelter quickly to those people affected, which will be the focus of DEC’s immediate relief effort.”

The City of London Corporation gives millions of pounds to charities each year as part of its commitment to tackling and creating a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society.

Its charitable funder, City Bridge Trust, is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to combat deprivation and inequality. The Trust has awarded around 8,000 grants totaling over £400 million since it first began in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

ENDS

Media enquires:

Kristina Drake| Media Officer, Public Services

City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

M: 07710860884

D: 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

]]>news,city,london,charity,appeal,dec,cyclone,idaiThu, 21 Mar 2019 13:28:26 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_collogo1.jpg?10000Cash boost for charity helping London’s blind and visually impaired graduates into workhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cash-boost-for-charity-helping-londons-blind-and-visually-impaired-graduates-into-work/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cash-boost-for-charity-helping-londons-blind-and-visually-impaired-graduates-into-work/A City charity has received funding to transform the lives of London’s blind and visually impaired (BVI) graduates by helping them find work after university.

City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, awarded £84,000 to Blind In Business Charitable Trust to pay for one-to-one sessions with the charity’s experts in sight loss and job training.

The initiative includes support with writing CVs and filling in job applications, as well as helping people develop aspirations, confidence and to find work.

Blind and partially sighted young people are among the most disadvantaged groups in our society.

90% of those who lose their sight in youth won’t work for more than six months in their lives, and nearly 70% of blind and partially sighted young people are living on the poverty line.*

Alison Gowman, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said:

“Blind in Business has been working in this sector for many years and is an expert in supporting people with sight loss.

“The organisation has extensive contacts in the City. With this funding it will able to help even more young graduates make connections with employers and begin their journeys into the world of work.

“Tackling disadvantage across the capital is essential to making London a fairer and better place to live.”

“Employers are generally unreceptive to offering blind young people long term opportunities, based on perceptions that they won’t be able to deliver the work effectively, or that they would need continuous intensive support.

“Technical advances enable BVI people to do almost any job, but they need support and confidence to compete for vacancies.

“This generous grant fromCity Bridge Trust will allow us to help more Londoners with sight loss into work.”

The charity also supports employees diagnosed with sight loss to remain in employment, and advises employers on recruitment and on-the-job support for BVI staff.

Since 1992 Blind in Business has helped on average 90 to 120 young people in London each year, towards education or employment.

Sight loss impairs people’s ability to learn from experience and reduces exposure to learning opportunities that would prove beneficial in the workplace. This means BVI people often come to the job market with less experience than their sighted peers.

In its latest round of funding City Bridge Trust also awarded £82,000 to the Royal National Institute of Blind Peopletowards a Talking Books service for older Londoners.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of the City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates. It is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital.

The Trust has awarded around 8,000 grants totalling over £400 million since it first began in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

*Saunders, Alex 2014. ‘The link between sight loss and income’ RNIB.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of Bridge House Estates, a Registered Charity, with its primary aim the maintenance and support of five Thames bridges: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark, Blackfriars and the Millennium footbridge.

City Bridge Trust was established in 1995 to make use of funds surplus to bridge requirements and provides grants totalling around £20m per year towards charitable activity benefitting Greater London. The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of the Bridge House Estates.

The City of London Corporation has today granted planning permission to redevelop Seal House at 1 Swan Lane in the City of London. When completed, the new building will offer a publicly accessible roof garden on the 12th floor and a restaurant on the 11th floor, both offering the most spectacular riverfront views of the City’s landmarks and the surrounding area.

The 51.2m (11 storeys) building was today approved by the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee as the latest step in the regeneration of the City’s riverside, an area identified in the draft City Plan 2036 as one of great potential for future development.

Upon completion it will provide 16,084 sq m of office space, as well as more than 300 cycle parking spaces, basement showers, large terraces for office workers on levels 9 and 10, ground-floor retail space, a green wall with cascading plants, and a public viewing gallery with a fully dedicated lift.

The building will become the latest in the City to offer an outstanding public roof garden, after another roof garden at 120 Fenchurch Street opened to the public last month.

Situated at a prominent point on the north bank of the Thames, Seal House will offer uninterrupted views towards Tower Bridge to the east, Southwark Cathedral and Borough to the south, and St Paul’s Cathedral and the City’s skyscraper district to the north.

The roof garden will be open all year round, seven days a week, and will be able to accommodate up to 200 members of the public at any one time. It will also be fully accessible to disabled persons, with two disability car parking spaces provided.

The development will also provide nearly double the office space of the current building (8,507 sq m), adding to the1,129,000 m2 of office space currently under construction in the Square Mile.

Chris Hayward, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said:

“I’m delighted that we have approved the latest addition to both the City’s growing office district and the City’s riverside, an area which we see as a future competitor to South Bank.

“As a leading business district welcoming 513,000 workers every day, it is vital to continue to deliver office space for the significant growth expected when the Elizabeth line opens.

“Standing next to the Grade II* listed Fishmonger’s Hall, this development demonstrates the City’s distinctive ability to house the old and new side by side, while becoming more accessible to members of the public.

“More than ever we are seeing businesses make location decisions based on the quality of built environment and public realm that they can offer their employees.

“This development is a vote of confidence in the City of London.”

James Sellar, CEO of Sellar, said:

“Working with Eric Parry we have produced proposals for a beautiful building that will attract a range of occupiers including those that may not usually consider the city. The attraction of its riverside location along with the amenities of great views and great natural light, restaurants and roof garden create fantastic office space that delivers what today’s occupiers really want.”

Eric Parry, Principal of Eric Parry Architects, said:

“This is a site of extraordinary importance, not just for those who will work in the new building but as an open place to meet for the public both to the river walk and on its roofscape, offering outstanding views over the Thames and the City cluster.

“The substantial materiality will provide shade and shadow and particularly those journeying to and from work over London Bridge will be able to appreciate an animation completely lacking in the existing building.”

The draft ‘City Plan 2036’ development guidance will encourage even more economically inclusive and environmentally friendly development over the next two decades, with policies requiring all new developments to include a greening element.

The City of London leads the world in the extent of its free public spaces at the top of its skyscrapers. Half of the 14 upcoming tall-building developments due to be completed by 2026 will have free public viewing galleries and terraces in one district.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

“We welcome Parliament’s decision to request an extension to Article 50 in order to avoid leaving the European Union without a deal on 29th March, and now urge the EU to be pragmatic in agreeing to this measure.But any extension is not a silver bullet on its own. There remain deep, underlying problems that need resolving.

“Even if we avoid one catastrophic cliff edge later this month, we should be wary of another just around the corner. Government must now provide clarity on what an extension means in real terms so that a solution can be found swiftly to break the current deadlock within the required timeframe, enabling business to get the certainty it needs to thrive.

“The clock is ticking. Further delays will mean households and businesses remain hostage to the crippling economic uncertainty that has already plagued them since the referendum.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,brexitThu, 14 Mar 2019 19:28:33 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000Policy Chair pays tribute to Sir Mark Boleat http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/policy-chair-pays-tribute-to-sir-mark-boleat/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/policy-chair-pays-tribute-to-sir-mark-boleat/The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness has paid tribute to her predecessor Sir Mark Boleat, who has today announced that he is retiring from the Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s main decision-making body.

Sir Mark was the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee at the City Corporation from 2012-2017. He finished his term on 4 May 2017 and was awarded a knighthood the following month for his contribution to the financial services industry in the UK and to local government in London.

Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness said:

“Sir Mark Boleat has played an invaluable role in championing the City and London throughout his distinguished career.

“I would like to thank him for his tireless efforts as a public servant. He has been a powerful advocate for the financial services sector, while also playing an important role in tackling local government issues including skills, education and housing. He will be much missed.”

Speaking at a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee today, Sir Mark Boleat said:

“My five years as Policy Chairman were the most rewarding of my career. Serving as a member has been a huge pleasure and I wish the City of London Corporation well for the future.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>newsThu, 14 Mar 2019 18:06:38 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000City Corporation responds to no-deal Brexit votehttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-responds-to-no-deal-brexit-vote/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-responds-to-no-deal-brexit-vote/Parliament has tonight voted to reject the UK leaving the European Union without a deal. Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“Parliament’s decision to reject a hugely damaging no-deal Brexit is a victory for common sense. MPs have rightly voted in the interests of businesses and households by taking a step away from the brink.

“Crashing out of the European Union without a deal would be an unprecedented act of self-sabotage. But in order to stave off this costly economic own goal, Parliament now needs to act swiftly to make today’s rejection of no-deal a reality by voting to extend Article 50, and give breathing room for a solution to be found. We also urge the EU to be pragmatic and agree to an extension if requested.

“There is no time for MPs to rest on their laurels. Business needs certainty to thrive. Politicians must come together in the national interest and secure a deal, locking in a legally binding transition within the stipulated timeframe.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

“The rejection of the Government’s deal tonight leaves British businesses facing continued economic uncertainty at a critical juncture.

“We are now staring down the precipice. Politicians of every hue must overcome their differences and make avoiding a no-deal Brexit the absolute priority, starting with the vote in Parliament tomorrow. The financial consequences of a no-deal Brexit are well versed and politicians must now act to prevent this from becoming a reality for businesses and households across the country.

“Extending Article 50 would be one way of avoiding the UK crashing out of the European Union without a deal but this would only be a sticking plaster unless the deep, underlying issues are resolved. Politicians must use any extension to work together as a matter of urgency to secure a deal, locking in a legally binding transition within the necessary timeframe.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,brexitTue, 12 Mar 2019 20:36:18 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000Bowie, Blur, Beethoven and Britney: Mark Allan music photography at Barbican exhibition http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/bowie-blur-beethoven-and-britney-mark-allan-music-photography-at-barbican-exhibition/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/bowie-blur-beethoven-and-britney-mark-allan-music-photography-at-barbican-exhibition/Mark Allan, who has spent over 30 years in music and entertainment photography, will showcase some of his most striking images at Barbican Music Library’s ‘It’s NOT only Rock ‘n’ Roll’ exhibition.

David Bowie, Tina Turner, Amy Winehouse, The Who, Gorillaz, Mariah Carey and Robbie Williams are among the leading performers and groups photographed by Mark during an extraordinary career that taken him from Wembley and the Royal Albert Hall to the Kremlin and a drought-ravaged Ethiopia.

Other highlights in the free exhibition (4 April – 29 June) will include Freddie Mercury on stage at Live Aid and U2, photographed backstage at the Manchester Ethiad Stadium for the Radio Times ‘Live 8’ cover.

Mark has worked for a wide range of magazines, including Mixmag, Q, and Select and music shows on the BBC, Channel 4 and MTV. For much of the last decade, he has documented performances for the BBC, many of them, at the Maida Vale studios for shows such as Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, and Live Lounge.

A regular photographer of classical music concerts at the Barbican, Mark will also present a selection of his images of some of the world’s most renowned conductors, including Bernard Haitink, Mariss Jansons, and Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Graham Packham, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:

“Since his early days working on London Student while studying at Goldsmiths College, Mark Allan has photographed many outstanding musical artists and conductors, either, backstage, or next to the stage or in the audience at major concerts.

“Whether you enjoy classical music, rock ‘n’ roll, or appreciate the art involved in photography that, seemingly effortlessly, captures live performance, this new exhibition at Barbican Music Library will definitely be worth a visit.”

Mark Allan said:

“There’s as much drama and excitement in a classical music performance at the Barbican as there is at a rock concert at Wembley, and I hope that this exhibition will convey some sense of that, and how it feels to be there.

“Since the 1980s, I’ve been hugely privileged to work with some legendary performers, many of them featured in this show at Barbican Music Library, so I hope that visitors will enjoy the selection of images that I’ve chosen.”

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Barbican Music Library and is the founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre, is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

The City Corporation is also developing Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate – a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes £110m funding to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and £4.9m for a detailed business case and next stage development, fundraising, and design work for the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

It’s NOT only Rock ‘n’ Roll’ – the music photography of Mark Allan presented at Barbican Music Library from 4 April to 29 June 2019. Admission FREE

Photographer Mark Allan and Michael Southwell, Barbican Music Librarian, are available for interview. For further details and hi-res images, please contact:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Barbican Music Library:

Barbican Music Library, which is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation, is a vibrant public library in the heart of the Barbican Centre with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and scores available for loan to all visitors. The Library has particular strengths in music (including listening facilities and practice pianos), arts, children's and financial sections, as well as Internet access and self-service photocopying. Membership is available to those who live, work or study in the City of London, and regular visitors to the Barbican.

Barbican Music Library is on Level 2, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. It is within walking distance of a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus route 153 runs directly past the Barbican. Free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces are available.

]]>news,Barbican,Barbican Music Library,classical music,rock n roll,Blur,David Bowie,Tina Turner,Simon Rattle,LSO,The Who,Gorillaz,George Michael,Freddie Mercury,Mariah Carey,Amy WinehouseTue, 12 Mar 2019 14:17:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_georgemichael-856219.jpg?10000Big benefits for small business: Unique remote access to global data offered through City Business Library membership schemehttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/big-benefits-for-small-business-unique-remote-access-to-global-data-offered-through-city-business-library-membership-scheme/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/big-benefits-for-small-business-unique-remote-access-to-global-data-offered-through-city-business-library-membership-scheme/Small and medium-sized enterprises in London and the UK are being invited to join a new subscription membership scheme at City Business Library (CBL) to gain remote access to extensive resources to help them grow their companies.

The initiative has been launched in response to changes in working patterns and the importance of recognising that increasingly, more people are working remotely and need to be able to access business information anywhere, and at any time. Members can access remotely a wide range of databases that can be used from the comfort of their own home, office, or even on the move.

Approximately 513,000 people work in the City of London in 24,000 businesses – 99% of which are small and medium enterprises.

The CBL subscription membership scheme enables customers to access remotely this vital data around the clock, saving businesses time and money. Members will be able to source data, including i-global market research, company contact and financial information, industry trends, business start-up advice, imports and exports, and global statistics.

Alexandra Leader, the City of London Corporation’s Manager of City Business Library, said:

“There is no other information provider offering this unique service or level of remote access anywhere else in the UK.

“This data is usually only accessible by major organisations that have the budget to pay the commercial rates and despite what some small businesses may believe, they won’t be able to find this type of information by trawling through the internet.

“Two years in the planning, this new membership scheme demonstrates the City of London Corporation’s commitment to supporting enterprise and innovation across London and the UK.”

Graham Packham, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:

“In a fast-moving world where new technological innovations, research, laws and regulations are produced continuously, businesses and in particular, small businesses, need to stay ahead of the game.

“Having identified the need for this membership scheme, City Business Library will help them do that by enabling them to plug into high-quality, reliable and up-to-date information.”

Membership can be purchased in person at the library or via the CBL website (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cblmembership), with customers offered the choice between six months or 12 months for £119 and £189, both of which provide access to nine databases.

For example, FAME helps you create business searches to find companies with specific profiles, carry out analyses on individual or groups of companies, and create B2B company lists, while Global Trade Tracker provides detailed commodity trade statistics for over 110 countries supporting SMEs who are looking to expand their markets globally.

Alternatively, customers can opt for a free access membership, which provides access to all business data inside the library plus, remote access to four databases, free Wi-Fi and access to the library’s computers for up to four hours daily, and a newsletter.

The City of London Corporation owns and manages the City Business Library.

Financial and professional services firms employ over seven per cent of the UK workforce, 2.2m people, two-thirds of whom are outside London. The industry produces 11% of total economic output and contributes £75 billion in taxes.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>London,City Corporation,News Release,News,Library,Small and medium-sized enterprises in London and the UK,City Business Library,CBLMon, 11 Mar 2019 17:20:47 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_image3-copy-876874.jpg?10000City of London Corporation agrees council tax and business rates proposalshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-agrees-council-tax-and-business-rates-proposals/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-agrees-council-tax-and-business-rates-proposals/The Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s main decision-making body, has today agreed changes to the Square Mile’s council tax and business rates.

In a meeting at Guildhall, elected Members discussed a number of proposals relating to the City Corporation’s medium-term financial position.

The following changes were agreed, which will take effect from 1 April 2019:

An increase of 2.99% in the City Corporation element of the Council Tax. Since 2009/10, the City Corporation’s Council Tax has not been increased and remains one of the lowest in London.

An adult social care precept of 2.00% will be introduced, to help in meeting additional social care costs for City residents, including the elderly.

The business rates premium will be increased by 0.1p, rising to 0.6p in the pound – a move supported at a recent ratepayers’ consultation. This will be used to enable the City of London Police to meet increasing demands to provide new services and to maintain security across the Square Mile.

The Court of Common Council also approved the establishment of a Fundamental Review of priorities designed to align resources to the City Corporation’s Corporate Plan and to deliver a sustainable medium-term financial plan.

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said:“Elected Members today agreed a series of prudent steps to help to maintain the sustainability of our finances over the medium-term.

“It is vital that the City Corporation has a robust financial plan so that it can continue providing high quality, efficient services for workers, residents and visitors.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>newsThu, 07 Mar 2019 14:54:41 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_citycrest-208591.jpg?10000Florist, restaurateur, bishop and doctor (Who) among women offered City Freedom http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/florist-restaurateur-bishop-and-doctor-who-among-women-offered-city-freedom/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/florist-restaurateur-bishop-and-doctor-who-among-women-offered-city-freedom/More than 100 women will receive the Freedom of the City of London to commemorate the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918.

The Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s top decision-making body, has today set the final seal of approval upon the Freedoms, paving the way for ceremonies to take place at Guildhall over the coming months.

Last year, the City Corporation agreed to mark 100 years of female suffrage with the award of the Freedom by inviting members of the Court of Common Council and colleagues in their City of London Wards to nominate candidates.

Drawn from a wide range of backgrounds - but all of them with a connection to the City - the 106 women include:

Jodie Whittaker, Guildhall School of Music & Drama graduate and actor, best known as the first female Doctor in Doctor Who

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“Many congratulations to everyone who accepted the City’s invitation to receive the Freedom of the City of London, among them, a restaurateur, actor, florist, ecologist, beauty salon owner, town planner, and the Bishop of London.

“My colleagues shared my enthusiasm to invite women from as many walks of life as possible, and I am very encouraged that we have exceeded our target of 100 women, and that we are announcing the news ahead of International Women’s Day.

“I hope that our new Freemen enjoy attending their ceremonies at Guildhall and will take pride in their Freedom, which is one of our most historic and celebrated traditions.”

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade; and today, people are nominated for, or apply for, the Freedom, because it offers them a link with the historic City of London and one of its ancient traditions.

The Freedom is also offered to individuals by the City of London Corporation to help celebrate a significant achievement, or to pay tribute to their outstanding contribution to London life or public life.

The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Recipients of the Freedom of the City of London:

The following women have agreed to be listed as recipients of the Freedom of the City of London award, as part of the City of London Corporation’s ‘100 Women for the Freedom’ campaign:

]]>news,Freedom of the City of London,female suffrage,Doctor Who,Barbican Centre,votes for women,Jodie Whittaker,Bishop of London,Representation of the People Act 1918,City of London Corporation,Guildhall,Miranda Brawn,Church of England,diversity,VisitBritain,VisitEnglandThu, 07 Mar 2019 14:22:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_mirandabrawn1-245187.jpg?10000London secures top spot for global business innovationhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/london-secures-top-spot-for-global-business-innovation/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/london-secures-top-spot-for-global-business-innovation/London has been voted the number one destination for businesses to locate global teams and innovate despite uncertainty around Brexit, according to new figures published by the City of London Corporation and the City Property Association.

The findings show that 37% of more than 450 senior leaders of large companies surveyed in the world’s top central business districts viewed London as the best location for global teams, placing the capital ahead of New York (26%), Paris (20%) and Singapore (17%). With half of companies surveyed naming collaboration across and within business teams as the most important factor in driving innovation, 94% of respondents scored London positively for this factor - including 54% that described its offer as ‘world leading’.

London is also the frontrunner as a global city for innovation that increases revenue, with 35% of respondents rating it top followed by New York (31%) with Singapore (17%) and Paris (15%) lagging behind.

The results feature in the City Corporation’s annual research publication, this year titled ‘Locate, create and innovate: London in a changing world’, will be presented at global property exhibition, MIPIM, at 11:00 on Thursday 14 March.

As businesses undergo rapid transformation through technology, the research explores how recruitment, retention and business location decisions are informed by short and long-term drivers of change and what this means for real estate and location decisions.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, said:

“With weeks to go until Britain officially leaves the European Union, London’s appeal as a global business hub is more important than ever. This data shows that businesses place a high value on the capital’s innovative cluster of talent and creative energy when it comes to making location decisions.

“Firms across the board are becoming more and more technologically focussed. In just five years we have seen a 31% increase in London’s information and communications jobs, while international workers make up 40% of London’s highly-skilled tech workforce.

“As the concentration of financial, professional services and TMT industries blend, it is vital that London continues to be the first to attract top talent. This is a vital factor alongside the City’s business landscape, commercial real estate, and mixed offering of flexible workspace, culture and lively public spaces, when it comes to ensuring its continuing appeal to domestic and international investors.”

‘Locate, create and innovate: London in a changing world’, was produced through interviews and roundtables with 65 large multinationals, and fast-growing scale-up businesses across financial services, telecoms, law and insurance and top property specialists and firms.

It explores how changing needs and rapid technological transformations are shaping location decisions for businesses. The key emerging trends include:

Access to top talent is a key consideration in firms’ location decisions;

As technological advances drive business, the need for human interactions, face to face meetings and relationships, has become even more important;

A growing, strategic drive to consolidation, not simply as a cost saving function but in order to get the right people together to drive innovation and better ways of working – in buildings specially structured to meet their needs;

72% of firms in financial, insurance and professional services referred to the usage of new technology as the key factor in determining whether a company is seen as innovative

Firms are demanding properties with lease terms that can accommodate rapid growth

The property industry is increasingly ‘curating’ diverse tenants to create a compelling offer for tech firms, who want to be part of a community of innovators

David Ainsworth, President of the City Property Association, said:

“Across all sectors, companies are using data and new technologies to drive growth and productivity. This report shows that the rise of tech is, counter-intuitively, increasing demand for workspace that encourages human interaction.

London’s property industry is rising to this challenge. In the City and across Central London the collaborative workplaces of the future are being built, alongside world-class public spaces and exciting cultural and retail experiences. This dynamism ensures that London is a world-leader in fostering innovation and attracting global business.”

The research of 459 senior business leaders of large companies in global central business districts was undertaken by global advisory group FTI Consulting in January 2019.

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

3. About the City Property Association

City Property Association (CPA) is a not-for-profit membership body representing the leading owners, investors, professional advisors and developers of real estate in the Square Mile and its neighbouring commercial districts.

]]>news,Brexit,propertyMon, 04 Mar 2019 12:16:07 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_cityskyline-2.jpg?10000Funding for charity to open new sports clubs for deaf people across West Londonhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/funding-for-charity-to-open-new-sports-clubs-for-deaf-people-across-west-london/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/funding-for-charity-to-open-new-sports-clubs-for-deaf-people-across-west-london/A Hounslow charity has received funding to open new sports clubs and tournaments for deaf people across West London.

City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, awarded £63,500 to Brentford FC Community Sports Trust to support more deaf people into sports.

The funding will pay for a coach, who himself is deaf, to set up new sports activities for deaf people.

New projects will include football coaching at schools, cycling for adults, multi-sports events in Hounslow and Ealing, and coaching deaf players through the Football Association’s programmes for children across London.

And the charity’s new West London Hub for Sports, which provides information on local deaf-friendly activities, and runs deaf awareness courses to increase the number of coaches with basic sign language, will also benefit from the funding.

Alison Gowman, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said:

“This programme has grown so much over the past couple of years, from helping just a couple of children locally, to supporting a large number of adults and children across the country.

“It is extremely exciting to be part of the charity’s expansion with new, specialist sports clubs across the capital, solely supporting deaf people.

“This charity has really found a gap in provision and need, I’m looking forward to following the journey of the new clubs and their members.

“Tackling disadvantage across the capital is essential to making London a fairer and better place to live.”

“Our deaf coaching programme has transformed the lives of hundreds of deaf children and adults.

“The project encourages children and adults to get involved with sport and tackle the existing obstacles they face playing sport – largely building their confidence and self-esteem.

“This project includes football and multi-sports sessions throughout the year and free holiday courses.

“Brentford FC Community Sports Trust remains the only sports trust in the country to employ a full-time, deaf football coach. Born profoundly deaf, Ben Lampert has revolutionised the way we deliver deaf coaching and has raised deaf awareness within the Trust and across communities throughout West London.

“When he joined us ,only three or four deaf children were involved in the Trust’s projects. Now, the we engage with more than 150 deaf children and adults each year.”

Sports coach Ben Lampert, said:

“I am so thankful having the opportunity to work in a sport’s environment.

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is a well-established community charity that delivers a range of programmes across London.

The Trust began its work with disabled people through its projects with special educational needs schools over 20 years ago.

In 2011, the charity recruited sports coach Ben Lampert who himself is deaf. The club started developing activities for deaf children and discovered they would come from far and wide due to lack in local provision.

It now offers sporting activities for disabled and non-disabled people, as well as working with young careers and young offenders.

It has been working in the last couple of years to support mainstream sports providers to be more deaf friendly, through previous City Bridge Trust funding.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of the City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates. It is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital.

The Trust has awarded around 7,900 grants totalling over £400 million since it firstbegan in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of Bridge House Estates, a Registered Charity, with its primary aim the maintenance and support of five Thames bridges: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark, Blackfriars and the Millennium footbridge.

City Bridge Trust was established in 1995 to make use of funds surplus to bridge requirements and provides grants totalling around £20m per year towards charitable activity benefitting Greater London. The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of the Bridge House Estates.

]]>News,city,london,charity,deaf,disabilityFri, 01 Mar 2019 11:44:16 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_disability-831333.jpg?10000Lord Mayor of London travels to Scotland to strengthen post-Brexit tieshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-travels-to-scotland-to-strengthen-post-brexit-ties/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-travels-to-scotland-to-strengthen-post-brexit-ties/The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Peter Estlin will visit Edinburgh and Glasgow next week (4-6 March) to strengthen links between London and Scotland.

The Lord Mayor serves as an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector and will lead business delegations to around 30 key global markets. As part of his visit next week he will be inviting Scottish businesses to join him on these overseas trade missions to take advantage of new opportunities around the world.

He will be holding meetings with leaders of a range of firms and organisations including Burness Paull, Aberdeen Standard Life, Baillie Gifford, the Law Society of Scotland and Scottish Financial Enterprise. The Lord Mayor will also meet with the Finance Secretary of Scotland Derek Mackay, following the Scottish First Minister’s visit to The Mansion House earlier this year to celebrate Burns Night.

Meetings are expected to focus on the London-Scotland relationship post-Brexit, and how we can work together to ensure the UK financial sector remains a world leader and centre of innovation. The Lord Mayor will also talk to Scottish firms about the benefits of opening an office in London.

“My visit to Scotland comes at a crucial time for the UK, with Brexit imminent.

“The partnership between London and Scotland has an important role to play in ensuring that the UK remains a world leading financial hub.

“Edinburgh and Glasgow are innovative cities with an increasingly vibrant financial and digital offer. I look forward to exploring how we can build on our mutually beneficial relationship.”

Scotland’s financial sector generates around £8 billion for the Scottish economy, more than eight per cent of Scottish onshore economic activity. Managing over £800 billion of funds, the industry employs 161,000 people, and accounts for 24 per cent of all UK employment in life assurance, and 13 per cent of all banking employment.

In April 2018, the City of London Corporation decided to double resources committed to its regional strategy. This specifically set out that the City of London would work to strengthen links with cities across the UK on a number of key issues, including inward investment, trade links and raising awareness of export opportunities.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. About the Lord Mayor of the City of London:

The Lord Mayor is the elected head of the City of London Corporation for one year and the position is unpaid and apolitical.

The Lord Mayor is an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector.

2. The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,Edinburgh,Glasgow,Lord Mayor,Peter EstlinThu, 28 Feb 2019 10:53:33 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_architecture-building-castle-257372-631193.jpg?10000City Corporation comments on potential Article 50 extensionhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-comments-on-potential-article-50-extension/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-comments-on-potential-article-50-extension/The Prime Minister today said the House of Commons would be given a vote on whether to seek a possible extension to Article 50 if MPs reject the Government’s renegotiated deal and leaving the European Union without a deal next month.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:“The fact that the Prime Minister has set out plans to request an extension of Article 50 if her renegotiated deal is rejected by MPs next month is welcome news.

“Politicians must ensure that the UK does not crash out of the European Union next month without a deal. This would be a hugely damaging outcome for consumers, households and businesses both in the UK and the EU.

“Any extension to Article 50 must not be a bridge to nowhere. Clarity is required on what a ‘short limited extension’ means in practice.

“A deal needs to be agreed by the Government, Parliament and the EU in order to enable City firms to plan for the future with confidence. Only then can we move on to the crucial next phase of negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,brexitTue, 26 Feb 2019 16:24:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000£155,000 cash boost for London’s green spaces community schemeshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/155000-cash-boost-for-londons-green-spaces-community-schemes/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/155000-cash-boost-for-londons-green-spaces-community-schemes/Twelve voluntary groups have been awarded over £155,000 for community projects across the capital.

The grants will pay for initiatives including night athletics sessions for disabled people at Parliament Hill, delivered by Highgate Harriers; a volunteer-led habitat enhancement project in the Square Mile, with the help of Friends of City Gardens and an environmental community outreach schools scheme run by Field Studies Centre.

All 12 projects are funded by the City of London Corporation’s Central Grants Programme, which supports community, cultural, environmental, educational and employment projects across the capital. It is administered by City Bridge Trust, the City Corporation’s charitable funder.

Other projects receiving grants include Alzheimer's Association’s ‘Singing for the Brain’ dementia support project in Epping Forest, and the Capital Cricket Club’s women's and girl's physical activities scheme in West Ham Park in Newham.

Graeme Smith, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, said:

“It makes me proud to award these great organisations funding to carry out their important work.

“These schemes provide much-needed support for their local communities and Londoners which we serve.

“I hope this trend continues and look forward to seeing more organisations applying for these grants in the future.”

"We are thrilled to have been successful with our grant application. This will allow us to continue our community work with two new projects.

“The first is a new running fitness weekend group on Hampstead Heath with a twist - the group will run to an area that needs work, such as a pond clearance, gardening work or general tidy up, complete the work then run back.

“We are particularly keen to attract local residents who may not otherwise have considered running on the Heath.

“The other is a new Tuesday evening disability session that will link with Special Olympics Camden. Our club has been heavily involved with disabled athletics in Camden for a number of years. This funding will help give opportunities to people with any disability, physical or intellectual, to enjoy athletics at the fantastic facilities of the running track at Parliament Hill".

Sarah Hudson from the Friends of City Gardens said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded funding to support biodiversity enhancements in public green spaces across the City.

“We plan to install more bird feeding stations and bird baths; train more volunteers to survey plants, pollinators and bats and substantially increase the number of observations we record on the Green Space Information for Greater London database.

“We will be continuing to support the population of Black Redstart birds, protect and nurture our newly discovered bat population and also provide weekly gardening and biodiversity discovery sessions for children at the City of London Primary Academy Islington.”

The City of London Corporation protects and conserves 18 major green spaces in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile.

It manages important wildlife habitats including ancient woodlands, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation.

Its green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They are funded by over £29million a year from the City Corporation, together with donations, sponsorship, grants and income generated on site.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

List of grantees

Alzheimer's Association

To continue to deliver a project that will improve people with dementia’s mental health through the use of green spaces by holding a weekly ‘Singing for the Brain’ group in ‘The View’ in Epping Forest.

£14,852

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

Providing water control and access improvement AT Haymill Valley

£8,000

Capital Kids Cricket

To run women's and girl's physical activities in West Ham Park from February to August 2019.

£14,800

Downlands Trust

Practical work and sheep grazing on the ground to improve conservation value of City Commons

£14,698

Field Studies Centre

Delivering a programme of environmental outreach to schools, community groups and families to increase community engagement with Wanstead Parkland, Bush Wood, & Wanstead Flats and Epping Forest.

£14,874

Friends of City Gardens

Delivery of community volunteer training, surveys, data recording and habitat enhancement to support the City's Biodiversity Action Plan.

£10,300

Friends of West Ham Park

Support the cost of equipment and materials required to improve and expand the vegetable garden

£11,927

Highams Park Community CIC

To improve the environment, access to and wayfinding in the forest and lake in the Highams Park area.

£13,550

Highgate Harriers

To deliver a new Tuesday night athletics session for disabled people at the Parliament Hill athletics track and develop a Good Gym running programme on the Heath.

£10,000

Loughton Youth Project

A 12-month 'Four Seasons' programme of conservational, educational and recreational activities/opportunities that engage local young people with nearby green spaces.

£13,174

Organiclea LTD

A programme of wellbeing walks and cycles, nature connection and forest stretch, play and relaxation in Epping Forest, Chingford

£14,300

Redington Frognal Association

Contribution to help restore the Constable’s Branch Hill Pond as a wildlife pond on Hampstead Heath

£15,000

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,Environment,Green Spaces,Open Spaces,Grants,CharityTue, 26 Feb 2019 16:15:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_highgateharriers-316630.jpg?10000New campaign encourages City firms to pay London Living Wage http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-campaign-encourages-city-firms-to-pay-london-living-wage/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-campaign-encourages-city-firms-to-pay-london-living-wage/A new campaign has launched today encouraging more City financial and professional services firms to pay the London Living Wage.

The City of London Corporation, which runs the campaign backed by the Living Wage Foundation, is taking over the London Underground with a poster campaign to get more firms to pay at least the London Living Wage of £10.55 per hour.

The posters will be displayed at nine of the capital’s busiest tube stations, including Liverpool Street, Euston, Victoria and Paddington.

The two-week campaign, which includes social media, newspaper advertising and direct discussions with City businesses will reach thousands of companies and workers. The campaign is expected to reach over 1.3 million people across the capital.

There are 273,000 jobs in financial and professional services in the City and 9,490 financial and professional services firms*. So far, over 100 City businesses have signed up to pay the London Living Wage and be Living Wage accredited employers.

One in five people employed in the capital still don’t earn a wage they can live on.

The initiative was officially launched this morning at the Museum of London where City businesses, MPs, and councillors joined Ambassadors from City firms paying the London Living Wage to start the initiative.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, which is an accredited Living Wage employer, said:

“One in five people employed in the capital don’t earn a wage they can live on. I’m calling on City firms to help consign this statistic to the history books.

“Our people are our City and they are the best investment we will ever make.

“Over 100 City financial and professional services businesses are accredited Living Wage employers, but I know more can join them.

“Paying the London Living Wage is good for business and good for society. But most importantly, it means a better quality of life, help for people to provide for themselves and their families, and giving employees a dignified life.”

Lola McEvoy, Head of Campaigns at the Living Wage Foundation, said:

“The City of London Corporation is leading the way as an anchor of responsible pay in the Square Mile.

“But many financial services firms still don't pay their security staff and cleaners enough to live on, and we know much more can be done.

“We believe this campaign can encourage more employers within the City to recognise that paying the London Living Wage is both good for their business, and the right thing to do.”

Stuart Wright, Property and Facilities Director for Aviva, which has been a Living Wage Employer since 2006, and Chair of the Living Wage Foundation, said:

“We have paid our London-based employees at least the London Living Wage since 2006 and we know the difference it can make to their lives. And it’s not just about money.

“People who receive the Living Wage feel valued for their contribution. This in turn creates pride amongst workers and aids retention and recruitment for employers – so it makes sound business sense too.

“Now all of our UK employees, includingthose from third-party suppliers who work on Aviva sites, are paid at least the Living Wage.

“If any London employer is considering paying the Living Wage, we’d urge them to stop thinking and start doing.”

There are commercial and social benefits to paying the London Living Wage, such as staff retention, improved productivity with staff feeling more valued and improved reputation for the business.

The London Living Wage gives workers a greater chance of fulfilling their potential within a single job, of accessing education and training in their spare time, and consequently, the ability to achieve upward mobility.

The City of London Corporation is a long-running supporter of the Living Wage Foundation. It has been an accredited Living Wage employer since 2014, meaning a significant increase in wages for some of its lowest-paid employees.

And from this year the City Corporation will strengthen its own Living Wage policy by paying its own staff and its suppliers’ staff the new rate, with immediate effect, when the updated Living Wage is announced in November each year. This is opposed to paying staff the new rate from April the following year, which is the most common approach taken by employers – meaning annual increases in the rate reach people’s pay packets more quickly.

The City Corporation already pays its interns, work experience placements over two weeks and apprentices working in the capital the London Living Wage as a minimum.

The organisation already ensures its own staff, apprentices and suppliers’ staff are paid in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s (LWF) accreditation terms and conditions. And the City Corporation has now agreed that all contract workers delivering two or more hours work for the organisation will be paid at least the Living Wage – which in London is currently £10.55 per hour.

]]>News,London,Living Wage,Salary,City,FS FirmsMon, 25 Feb 2019 13:32:47 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_llw-567031.jpg?10000Policy Chair letter to the Financial Times on Brexithttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/policy-chair-letter-to-the-financial-times-on-brexit/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/policy-chair-letter-to-the-financial-times-on-brexit/The following letter from Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness was published in the Financial Times in response to an article by Jo Johnson (‘Politicians must stand up for the City of London after Brexit’, 21 February):

Jo Johnson is right to say that the City is a substantial asset for the UK, which it is in the national interests to preserve.

He is wrong, however, to say that the financial and professional services sector has been silent on Brexit since the 2016 referendum.

The City has been vocal on the need for politicians to work together pragmatically to secure a legally-binding transition period that avoids a damaging no-deal exit for households, businesses and the 2.2 million people employed in the sector across the country.

The industry has also highlighted substantial cliff-edge risks such as clearing, contract continuity and data flows that could disrupt cross-border financial services in the event of a no-deal outcome.

Of course, the City has called on the Government to be ambitious when it comes to the next phase of negotiations and deliver a future relationship for services that provides market access based on strong regulatory dialogue and supervisory co-operation. The International Regulatory Strategy Group continues to be active in this space.

But at a time when politicians on both sides of the Channel are playing chicken with a no-deal departure looming, the sector’s immediate focus has to be on the short-term.

One month until Brexit, there is little sign of a deal being agreed on the horizon. The absence of action in Westminster and Brussels speaks louder than any words.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair, City of London Corporation, EC2V, UK

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,BrexitFri, 22 Feb 2019 12:54:27 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000City of London Corporation launches community project crowdfunding initiativehttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-launches-community-project-crowdfunding-initiative/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-launches-community-project-crowdfunding-initiative/A crowdfunding initiative for community groups and organisations in the Square Mile has been launched by the City of London Corporation.

The ‘Our City’ crowdfunding platform encourages ideas that will benefit people who live, work or visit the Square Mile.

The City of London Corporation has again teamed up with Spacehive, a crowdfunding platform that aims to make it as easy as possible for people to bring their community together by having access to funding.

The City of London Corporation has a £30,000 fund and will make a maximum pledge of £5,000 to support crowdfunded projects in the Square Mile.

The initiative is an expansion of last year’s successful pilot in the Aldgate area which saw four projects launched with the help of local residents, businesses and organisations.

The current funding round is open until May 13 for a variety of projects, from things that will enhance the physical appearance of the area, to arts, cultural, sporting or learning activities.

Spacehive will be running workshops to help groups to develop their projects and to get started.

Randall Anderson, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, said:

“Since Roman times, the Square Mile has been a multicultural hub of enterprise, innovation and creativity.

“Now through the 'Our City' crowdfunding programme, residents, workers and all the people of the City can continue this legacy in a whole new way.

“This year, as we expand the programme City wide, we are really excited to see what amazing ideas and projects come to life.

“By helping the City community to collaborate on creative projects, we can ensure we have a place which everyone loves - whether they live, work, study, worship or play here.”

Chris Gourley, CEO of Spacehive said:

“We are very excited to be part of the launch of ‘Our City’. This builds on the work we have already done in Aldgate and in neighbouring boroughs where local residents, businesses and organisations have come together to help fund amazing projects.”

Crowdfunding workshops will be held on 20 March at Golden Lane Community Centre, where people can find out more about the programme, how to get involved and advice on how to run a successful campaign.

To sign up to the workshop and to get more information on the upcoming funding round and how you can get involved, click here.

Through the crowdfunding scheme the City of London Corporation will be able to empower projects, groups and individuals to create something for everyone in the Square Mile.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,London,Square Mile,City,Crowdfunding,Community,OrganisationsThu, 21 Feb 2019 17:40:17 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_942.jpg?10000Architecture exhibition reveals ‘intimate portrait’ of London’s transformation over 400 yearshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/architecture-exhibition-reveals-intimate-portrait-of-londons-transformation-over-400-years/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/architecture-exhibition-reveals-intimate-portrait-of-londons-transformation-over-400-years/Guildhall Art Gallery’s forthcoming exhibition brings together works from the 17th century to the present day to illustrate how London’s ever-changing cityscape has inspired visiting and resident artists over four centuries.

Architecture of London (31 May - 1 Dec) will feature 80 works by over 60 artists, drawing from the City of London Corporation’s extensive art collection to examine the rich diversity of London’s buildings and its varied portrayal by artists.

The exhibition will also feature important loans from other major British collections and a number of private collections, including masterpieces by renowned and emerging artists, such as Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach and Catherine Yass.

Visitors will see the city from a wide range of viewpoints, including artists’ windows, vast panoramas, close-ups, and street views. Arranged thematically, the exhibition begins with views of London, exploring vistas, the earliest paintings of the capital, as well as artists’ views of London.

From the panoramas of Netherlandish artists in the 1600s to those who paint the London that they experience from their own unique perspective, the capital’s architecture has provided a rich subject for artists.

Highlights include Old St. Paul’s Diptych (1616), a rare Jacobean view of London and one of the first British paintings of a historic monument, and Canaletto’s London Seen Through an Arch of Westminster Bridge (1747).

The show continues with an exploration of London’s continuous transformation - from its rebuilding in the years following the Second World War to the city’s rising skyline in the present day, with works including David Ghilchik’s Out of the Ruins at Cripplegate (1962) and Richard I. B. Walker’s London from Cromwell Tower, Barbican (1977).

The exhibition goes on to showcase the intimate and everyday portrayals of London, usually viewed through artists' windows. It will feature works of suburban landscapes by artists’ who found London’s residential streets fascinating, for example, Spencer Gore, a founding member of the Camden Town Group, and Frank Auerbach, both extensive painters of London’s streets close to their homes and studios.

Architecture of London culminates with an exploration of artists' depictions of the beautiful details that make up an architectural whole. This section will feature works that focus on the, sometimes intricate or simple, but always beautiful details of London’s buildings.

Highlights include Brendan Neiland’s Broadgate Reflections (1989), an almost abstract close-up of a building reflected in a window, as well as Simon Ling’s vibrant paintings of East London’s urban landscape near his studio.

Graham Packham, Chairman, City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:

“’Architecture of London’ will illustrate how the capital is a constant site of construction and renewal, and will provide visitors to Guildhall Art Gallery with an intimate portrait of this restless and vibrant city.

“By bringing together a wide range of artists’ work, the exhibition will certainly prove to be engaging, inspiring and poignant, as we look back at how London has changed since the early 1600s and reflect upon how city planners and architects may transform it over the coming years.”

Elizabeth Scott, Head of Guildhall Galleries and Principal Curator at Guildhall Art Gallery, who curated Architecture of London, said:

“This exhibition celebrates all of London’s wide-ranging architecture - from tower blocks to suburban homes, the iconic, to the non-descript.

“‘Architecture of London’ will offer visitors a unique insight into London’s ever-evolving topography through the eyes of artists who have been, and still are, captivated by the city.”

As part of the six-month exhibition, John Schofield, cathedral archaeologist at St Paul’s Cathedral; Dr Jane Sidell, inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England; and Dr David Allen and Dr Simon Elliott, historian and archaeologist respectively, will lead a series of talks on the use of stone, the tradition of bricklaying within London’s architecture, and historical insights from the Great Fire of London.

The Gallery’s Late View will offer a night of music, architecture, art, drawing, and Curator tours of the collection on 27 September from 7pm - 10pm.

Architecture of London forms part of City of London Corporation’s outdoor public events programme, Fantastic Feats: the building of London (31 May – 1 December 2019). The programme will celebrate London’s long-standing history of architectural and engineering firsts, and looks at how these innovations have contributed to improving the lives of Londoners over the centuries.

From 31 May to 1 September, Illuminated River, one of Fantastic Feats’ programme partners, will also exhibit architectural drawings and visualisations of the project alongside paintings of the Thames chosen by American artist Leo Villareal from Guildhall Art Gallery’s collection, as part of Architecture of London.

Led by Villareal and London-based architects, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, Illuminated River is an unprecedented light artwork that will be installed on up to 15 central London bridges. Once complete, it will be the longest public art commission in the world, seen by over 100 million people a year. The first four bridges – London, Cannon, Southwark, and Millennium – will be unveiled this summer.

From 2 July to 15 July, the City of London Corporation’s London Metropolitan Archives will display blueprints, drawings and photographs recording the development of some of London’s greatest buildings and structures in an outdoor exhibition, London’s Grand Designs – Building a Capital City, 1675 to 1986, in Guildhall Yard.

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Guildhall Art Gallery, is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

The City of London Corporation - together with the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London – is leading the development of Culture Mile between Farringdon and Moorgate, a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes £110m funding to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and £4.9m for a detailed business case and next stage development, fundraising, and design work for the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS

Notes to editors

City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City and supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Guildhall Art Gallery

Established in 1886 as a ‘Collection of Art Treasures worthy of the capital city,' the gallery exhibits work dating from 1670 to the present, including 17th-century portraits, Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and a range of paintings documenting London's dramatic history. General admission to Guildhall Art Gallery is FREE; however, an entrance fee may be charged for some exhibitions, with concessionary rates for senior citizens, registered unemployed and registered disabled.

London Metropolitan Archives is a public research centre which specialises in the history of London. LMA cares for, and provides access to, the historical archives of businesses, schools, hospitals charities, and many other organisations in, and around, London. With over 100km of books, maps, photographs, films and documents dating back to 1067 in its strong rooms, it is proud to provide access to one of the finest city archives in the world. Its users have a wide range of research interests, including family, community and local history, and LMA also works with students, artists, producers, and architects. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

]]>news,architecture,London,Lucian Freud,Frank Auerbach,St Pauls,Barbican,London Metropolitan Archives,CripplegateMon, 18 Feb 2019 13:02:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_ruinsatcripplegate-794581.jpg?10000Call for London’s firms to enter capital’s top responsible business awardshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/call-for-londons-firms-to-enter-capitals-top-responsible-business-awards/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/call-for-londons-firms-to-enter-capitals-top-responsible-business-awards/Businesses tackling London’s social problems are today [18 February] being called on to enter the capital’s top responsible business gongs.

The City of London Corporation, which runs the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards, wants to hear from firms of all sizes and sectors.

From firms championing diversity to companies running volunteering and social mobility schemes, the Dragon Awards celebrate businesses going the extra mile to make a difference to society.

And for the first time this year, the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards will have an award solely celebrating digital skills initiatives.

Over the last 32 years, Dragon Awards applicants have reached over 11 million people, mobilising 200,000 business volunteers and providing a quarter billion pounds in donations and pro-bono support.

The awards up for grabs are:

1. Lord Mayor’s Award for Leadership in Digital Skills: Digital skills are critical to the UK’s competitiveness and to building an inclusive society. And this special award celebrates businesses, from across the UK, that are investing in the UK’s digital future

2. Heart of the City Award: celebrates companies that have only recently begun to have a strategic approach to social impact in Greater London.

3. Boosting Social Impact Award: will go to a firm that is boosting its social impact in Greater London through its own schemes

5. Innovation Award: will be awarded to a business developing new ways to benefit London’s communities

6. Regional Impact Award: celebrates businesses with a London presence that are strengthening regional communities beyond the capital

7. Community Partners Award: will go to a community organisation that is working with firms to achieve excellence in social impact. It recognises good practice and innovation in building and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships that benefit Greater London.

The awards will be open for applications until 16 April 2019.

All applicants will be invited to The Mansion House in September where the winners will receive a prestigious ‘Dragon’ from Peter Estlin, the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Lord Mayor Peter Estlin, said:

“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the great work firms are doing to tackle social problems across the capital, and the wider UK.

“I’m very excited that this year we have an award focused on digital skills. It is now more important than ever that we bring communities together to build, develop and nurture the pipeline of digitally-skilled and innovative talent.

“Digital transformation offers us an opportunity to improve community cohesion, widen social mobility and build the UK’s competitiveness through skills development. It is an opportunity that together we must seize.

“I am calling on businesses of all sectors and sizes to come forward and show us what they are doing to benefit society.”

“I’m extremely excited to host these special awards for the second year running.

“There is some truly amazing work being done by businesses to help local communities tackle society’s most pressing problems.

“The range of employment initiatives supporting diversity in the workplace, helping under-represented communities and reaching people from disadvantaged backgrounds is something I really commend.

“These are life changing programmes paving the way for successful careers based on merit and hard work.

“We need more programmes like this and we want to encourage other firms to take up similar initiatives and play their part in creating a society we are all proud to celebrate.”

Since it was founded in 1987, the Dragon Awards has attracted high-quality applications from a variety of organisations across London and the UK.

Previous winners reported winning new contracts, improved internal relationships, stronger reputations and increased PR as a result of taking part in the scheme.

The Awards form one part of the City of London Corporation’s commitment to working in partnership with businesses, charities and neighbouring boroughs to create a more responsible, inclusive and competitive London.

As part of this drive, the City Corporation funds Heart of the City, a charity supporting a network of London companies to run their own responsible business programmes. And the City Corporation boosts young people’s employability through partnerships with City firms on apprenticeships, mentoring and paid work placements schemes.

In partnership with the Social Mobility Commission and the Social Mobility Foundation, the City Corporation launched the world’s first Social Mobility Employer Index. It ranks the top 50 UK employers who have taken the most action to improve social mobility in the workplace, incentivising firms to improve access to top quality jobs for candidates from all backgrounds.

The City Corporation itself pledged to employ and sustain 100 apprentices and in 2017 and 2018, the Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the best UK academy sponsor for its work supporting pupils from low-income families to achieve top grades.

Its charitable arm, City Bridge Trust, gives £20m every year to charitable and community organisations across London. And it works closely with the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which runs City Giving Day, a celebration of the City of London’s philanthropic and responsible business activities.

]]>News,city,csr,awards,lord mayorMon, 18 Feb 2019 12:37:26 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_dragonawards2-806210.jpg?10000City Corporation comments on clearing announcementhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-comments-on-clearing-announcement/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-comments-on-clearing-announcement/The European Securities and Markets Authority has announced that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, three central counterparties established in the United Kingdom – LCH Limited, ICE Clear Europe Limited and LME Clear Limited – will be recognised to provide their services in the European Union.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“This is good news for the short term, as it provides certainty in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

“We now need to see further progress on the other remaining cliff-edge issues, most notably cross-border data flows – an issue that the International Regulatory Strategy Group recently wrote to the European Commission and European Data Protection Board about – and contract continuity.

“This is increasingly urgent as our political uncertainty continues and the prospect of a no-deal exit grows.

“We would still greatly prefer to see an organised exit with a transition period, and urge Parliament to make progress on this. A crash out could be very damaging for ordinary people and businesses on both sides of the Channel. It also would not make the process of negotiating our long-term relationship with the EU any easier.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,BrexitMon, 18 Feb 2019 12:02:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000The City of London’s largest public roof garden opens its doorshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/the-city-of-londons-largest-public-roof-garden-opens-its-doors/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/the-city-of-londons-largest-public-roof-garden-opens-its-doors/The City of London’s largest roof top public space, ‘The Garden at 120’, located atop the newly opened Fen Court office building at 120 Fenchurch Street, is opening to the public tomorrow (Friday 15 February).

At 15-storeys up, the viewing platform offers exceptional 360-degree views of the City and greater London and is free for members of the public to visit, with no booking required.

Fen Court includes retail offering at the lower levels, a fourteenth-floor restaurant and dedicated public lifts which lead directly to The Garden at 120, which plays host to pergola planting with fruit trees, Italian wisteria, seating, a water feature and a coffee hut.

The 207-capacity rooftop garden will be open every Saturday and Sunday between 10am to 5pm (for two six-week trial periods), as the City of London continues to strengthen its offering as a vibrant weekend destination.

Monday to Friday access will be available starting tomorrow, between 10 am and 6.30 pm over Winter (October 1 to March 31) and between 10 am and 9 pm during the Spring and Summer months (April 1 to September 30).

Chris Hayward, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said:

“I am delighted to add to the 60 green roofs in the Square Mile with this venue, which offers a peaceful retreat from busy City streets and views of some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.

“I especially look forward to the warmer months when the garden will be in full-bloom, complementing the success and popularity of the SkyGarden at 20 Fenchurch Street and the roof terrace at One New Change as a weekend destination for Londoners and visitors alike.

“Fen Court is an exemplar of the type of developments that the draft local plan ‘City Plan 2036’ proposes for the future of the City. With a free public space, a pedestrian route between Fenchurch Street and Fenchurch Avenue creating more space at ground level, and the garden, which goes above and beyond our urban greening proposals.”

The City of London leads the world in the extent of its free public spaces at the top of its skyscrapers. Half of the 14 upcoming tall-building developments due to be completed by 2026 will have free public viewing galleries and terraces in one district.

Including the opening of Fen Court, these are: 22 Bishopsgate, 6-8 Bishopsgate, 1 Leadenhall Street, 100 Leadenhall Street, 2-3 Finsbury Avenue, located north of the eastern cluster, and 1 Undershaft which will also host a Museum of London gallery at the top of the building, alongside interactive learning spaces and London’s highest restaurant.

“Fen Court is a building that represents a sustained dialogue between the planning authority, the client and the architect to create a building that is more than the sum of its architectural parts. It is a civic as well as a commercial building and it creates a new convivial horizon within the emerging taller buildings of the Eastern cluster.”

Tina Paillet, Senior Executive at Generali Real Estate, said:

“It is a pleasure for Generali Real Estate to welcome the public to The Garden at 120. The garden is the crowning achievement of Fen Court, an innovative development where new technologies blend with tradition and nature to create a unique office and retail environment that will benefit both occupiers and visitors.

“The building is recognisable at a glance and is destined to become a City of London landmark. We hope that this peaceful garden, with its canopy of Wisteria provides a new refuge in the City, providing a place of calming respite for City workers as well as habitat for the City’s birds and insects.”

The ‘City Plan 2036’ development guidance will encourage even more economically inclusive and environmentally friendly development over the next two decades, with policies requiring all new developments to include a greening element and new walking routes through tall buildings to allow the public to benefit from more navigable and less congested City streets.

The ‘City Plan 2036’ is open for consultation until 28 February 2019.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,fen court,fencourt,city of london,city of london corporation,chris hayward,sky garden,the garden at 120,120 fenchurch street,fenchurch street,generali,eric parry,eric parry architectsThu, 14 Feb 2019 16:51:04 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_fencourtgarden-662322.jpg?10000Successful young people tell City figures: life skills are as important as academic resultshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/successful-young-people-tell-city-figures-life-skills-are-as-important-as-academic-results/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/successful-young-people-tell-city-figures-life-skills-are-as-important-as-academic-results/A student nurse who joined the Combined Cadet Force, an award winning young cello soloist, and an England-U20 rugby star have told a City audience that schools should take pupils beyond their desks to learn vital career skills.

The inspirational young people spoke at a City of London Corporation education event last night, telling Square Mile leaders how self-discipline, creativity and leadership are among the skills needed for the modern workplace.

Sarah Adegboyega, 19, attended the City of London Academy Islington. She joined the Combined Cadet Force and became Head Girl before studying as a student nurse at the University of Surrey.

Abel Selaocoe, 26, who isnow regarded as one of the world’s foremost young cello players,was born in the South African township of Sebokeng and came to the UK to study music. A winner of both the Royal Overseas Arts and Karl Jenkins awards, he has played as a soloist with BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and appeared on BBC Proms.

Theo Brophy Clews, 21, who studies at Oxford University and captained the England U18 rugby team, is a member of the England U20 squad and a regular for London Irish.

“The skills that I have learnt in the Combined Cadet Force, including different ways of caring for those around me, I now use as a student nurse.

“I look back on these experiences which now help me in study, as a new cadet instructor and a young black woman.

“I have learned to be caring, resilient and self-disciplined, qualities which will stay with me for life.

“I am grateful that my time in the Combined Cadet Force has taught me these skills.”

England rugby player Theo Brophy added:

“Being a professional sportsman has helped me improve my focus and taught me how to accept responsibility for my actions. It has been a huge influence on my personal development.

“On the pitch I have to be completely immersed in the moment in order to perform my best.

“I have become resilient to setbacks, understood the importance of remaining calm and learned to perform under pressure.

“These are skills which and will stay with me into my future career.”

Musician Abel Selaocoe said:

“When you learn, you not only take in information, but you must endeavour to become your own teacher in the future. Learning of self-discipline is one of the great perks of learning music.

“In order to be successful at teaching yourself you have to be dedicated to practice, experimenting and being curious about your art or work.”

Henry Colthurst, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:

“Education has the power to transform every young person, but we believe academic excellence is not the only measure of success.

“We want to make sure that each and every one of our pupils has access to the skills they need to succeed in a changing – and challenging – modern work evironment.

“Hearing these stories has cemented my belief that young people need support out of the classroom to take in new, real-life experiences to prepare them for the ever-changing world.”

The City Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark, runs a maintained primary school in the Square Mile and manages three independent schools.

Through its Education and Skills strategies, the City Corporation is placing an increasing prominence on developing pupils’ “fusion skills” through creative and physical subjects such as music, art and sport, to help pupils achieve their career goals.

For example the City Corporation has awarded funding for girls at its sponsored academies to participate in a project run by the London Irish Foundation which uses rugby as a vehicle for developing skills in leadership, collaboration and resilience.

And through Culture Mile Learning, the City Corporation is funding projects improving young Londoners’ access to culture in the Square Mile. The schemes support young people to take part in music, drama, arts and digitally immersive experiences in cultural settings and develop their fusion skills in the process.

In January the City Corporation announced a new£100k summer holiday programmetackling learning loss and hunger amongst 450 young people from low-income families in Islington. The programme helps young people to take part in a wide range of activities including cooking classes, sports, work skills and cultural activities.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

ENDS

Kristina Drake| Media Officer, Public Services

City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

M: 07710860884

D: 020 7332 1125

Notes to Editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

The City Corporation is working with City businesses to develop responsible practices that benefit society as part of everyday business.

]]>News,london,education,skills,cityThu, 14 Feb 2019 11:15:35 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_educationboard-746572.jpg?10000Nick Collier appointed as new Managing Director of City Office in Brusselshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/nick-collier-appointed-as-new-managing-director-of-city-office-in-brussels/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/nick-collier-appointed-as-new-managing-director-of-city-office-in-brussels/The City of London Corporation has further strengthened its office in Brussels with the appointment of a new Managing Director.

Nick Collier, who is currently Global Head of Government Relations at Refinitiv, will take on the newly-created Brussels post in early March. He has previously worked at a range of organisations in the financial services sector, including the Bank of England and, until recently, served as Chair of TheCityUK’s Public Affairs Group as well as Deputy Chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said: “This is a critical time for the UK financial and professional services sector so I’m delighted that Nick has accepted this Managing Director role at our Brussels office. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will play an important role in shaping the industry’s European engagement both before and after Brexit.

“It is in the interests of Europe as a whole that we continue to work together constructively to ensure the sector can support jobs, investment and prosperity across the continent.”

Nick Collier said: “As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, it is as important as ever that the City’s voice is heard in Brussels and that we equally listen to the views of our counterparts across the continent.

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues and with our stakeholders in the financial and professional services sector across the City as we seek to build a new, mutually beneficial relationship between the UK and the EU.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,Brexit,BrusselsThu, 14 Feb 2019 10:35:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_nickcollier-411087.jpg?10000City Corporation responds to Prime Minister's Brexit statementhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-responds-to-prime-ministers-brexit-statement/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-responds-to-prime-ministers-brexit-statement/Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement on Brexit in the House of Commons today (12 February), the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness said:

“The last grains of sand are slipping through the hour glass as another day is lost in Brexit limbo. Businesses and households continue to face uncertainty about whether the UK will crash out of the European Union without a deal at the end of March.

“Politicians may be used to striking deals at the eleventh hour but businesses cannot afford to wait until then. City firms need certainty about our future relationship with the EU in order to invest and create jobs across the UK. Locking in a legally binding transition period as part of a deal is vital to give the sector time to work through this complex process.

“It is welcome that the Prime Minister identified a number of areas on which Parliament can come together. We now need to see some progress being made in the national interest.

“It is also critical that EU regulators urgently address cliff-edge issues such as contract continuity and data flows. These are issues that could disrupt cross-border financial services and prevent firms from serving their customers in the event of a no deal.”

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>brexit,newsTue, 12 Feb 2019 16:00:35 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000City of London Corporation Policy Chair heads to Dublin as Brexit deadline approacheshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-policy-chair-heads-to-dublin-as-brexit-deadline-approaches/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-policy-chair-heads-to-dublin-as-brexit-deadline-approaches/The Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation Catherine McGuinness will visit Dublin over the next two days (12th-13th February), where she will attend the 4th European Financial Forum and reiterate the City’s position on the future trading relationship with the Republic of Ireland.

Ms McGuinness will meet senior ministers - including Minister of State for Financial Services Michael D’Arcy – and leaders of senior representatives from the Irish financial services sector while in the Irish capital.

She will reiterate the City’s desire for a legally-binding transition period as part of the agreement for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, maximising the opportunity for financial services to be fully integrated into any future trade deal and benefitting the EU economy.

She will also repeat the need for both sides to address the most serious cliff edge risks of a no-deal scenario, including the significant risks to data transfer, insurance contract continuity and uncleared derivatives.

It will be Ms McGuinness’ second visit to the city in her role as Policy Chair - which she assumed in May 2017 – having previously travelled there in July last year.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness said:

“With less than 50 days until the UK’s departure date from the EU, this visit comes at a pivotal moment for the UK’s financial and related professional services sector. The industryplays a vital role in supporting households and businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea and the north-south border, so it is absolutely essential that we avoid the uncertainty of no-deal.

“We need a transitional period to give us thebest opportunity to deliver an ambitious and comprehensive future trade deal with the EU.

“The close ties between Dublin and London,two important financial hubs, have helped us both prosper. The City wants to ensure that this relationship remains strong and that no unnecessary trade barriers are introduced following Brexit.”

The visit comes after UK Prime Minister Theresa May went to Belfast, Brussels and Dublin last week in an attempt to break the Brexit impasse on free flow of goods and services across the Irish border.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The scheme, run by the City of London Corporation and held at The Mansion House, rewards firms leading the way in environmental waste management best practice.

The 24th awards welcomed a record 120 City businesses, with firms including the Royal Bank of Canada, Brookfield, Nomura and the Bank of England walking away with awards and certificates.

The Clean City Awards scheme recognises firms large and small for waste management and is open to all businesses based in the City of London.

This year’s applicants included a wide range of organisations including dentists, conference centres, iconic buildings and financial institutions. Applicants are rewarded for driving behavioural change through engagement and communication, waste minimisation business models, creative campaigns and reuse and recycling initiatives.

The winners were:

Platinum Award Chairman’s Cup and Special Commendation awards:

The Chairman’s Cup is awarded to businesses for successful waste and recycling initiatives. Special Commendations are given to those who made an outstanding effort, overall or in a particular area, and who deserve recognition.

The Chairman’s Cup Small Sites Category: Travelers for reducing the environmental impact of their move to a new office by reducing waste, reusing where possible, instilling “good behaviours” and establishing “Clean Green Fridays”. The scheme maximised recycling where 17 boxes and six bags of clothes, shoes and books were donated to charity.

The Chairman’s Cup Large Sites: Nomura for continuing to run effective waste campaigns and declaring its plan to be “plastic free” by 2019. Nomura is empowering its environmental reps to raise awareness of the impact of plastic waste in the company. 225,000 pieces of disposable cutlery were removed from the service area.

The Chairman’s Cup Facilities Management: Broadgate Estates, City of London Campus for excelling in recycling communications, campaigns and occupier engagement across a vast and complex site. Recycling increased by 10% to 76% despite an increase in footfall and headcount.

Special Commendations Large Category: Royal Bank of Canada for creating a Trading Floor Green Team which introduced reusable metal drinks bottles and removed wooden stirrers and plastic cups from the trading floor. This gave a projected saving of 110,000 cups and 6,000 stirrers each year. Disposable cutlery has also been removed, removing around 120,000 throw-away items.

Special Commendations Facilities Management Category - Brookfieldat 99 Bishopsgate for improving their bin store area with multilingual signage and installing a “Green Room”, a dedicated space in the management suite where environmental initiatives are promoted via a strong internal communication strategy. The site has achieved a 4% increase in their recycling rate to 74%.

Plastic Free City Award

Rothschilds for removing 410,668 single use plastic items from their London office and creating their own Plastic Free Business Pledge. The Plastic Free City award honours firms taking action to reduce plastic litter in the Square Mile. The City of London Corporation’s Plastic Free City initiative helps City firms to reduce the use of single-use plastics by signing up to a pledge scheme. The project Plastic Free City initiative will also see ten new drinking fountains installed and the City’s pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants encouraged to register as bottle refill stations.

Cheapside Business Alliance Award

London Stock Exchange for introducing biodegradable straws, non-plastic cutlery and its first waste management forum. Catering facilities actively sought out imperfect fruit and vegetables for catering operations, which would ordinarily be discarded by retailers. The business also moved to a 100% renewable fleet. The Cheapside Business Alliance Award recognises organisations improving the Cheapside Business District though recycling and other environmental initiatives.

Clean Streets Partnership Award

Edward Musoke at Colville Estate Property for his proactive and conscientious approach to improving the surroundings of his business premises. Edward, who heads the Chancery Lane Business Watch scheme, personally visited a significant number of Chancery Lane businesses to advise them about the partnership, its ethos and the benefits to keeping the City clean. The City Corporation’s Clean Streets Partnership helps businesses to reduce litter and waste around commercial premises in the Square Mile.

Sweeper & Operative of the Year awards

These awards recognise outstanding effort by individuals in delivering high environmental standards in the City.

Sweeper of the Year: Kamel Mennous, Amey. In 2016 he assisted a member of the public who collapsed in the street and continues to demonstrate an outstanding work ethic across the Square Mile.

Waste Operative of the Year: Andrzej Barczyk, Amey. For exceeding targets to remove anti-social residue and reacting quickly to any call outs to ensures roads are safe after an accident in the Square Mile.

Jeremy Simons, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, said:

“City businesses are making a tremendous difference by pushing the boundaries on environmental sustainability.

“These firms are working hard to make a difference, from reducing plastic to improving recycling and keeping the streets clean.

“Together we are recognising and celebrating the innovative work that these firms are doing.

“These awards are a testament to those who keep this City clean for the benefit of all Londoners who work, live and visit the Square Mile.”

To join the scheme and for more information visit the City of London corporation City Clean Award Scheme page.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

ENDS

]]>news,City of London Corporation,Waste,Recycling,Awards,Clean City,environmental sustainability,reducing plastic,plasticMon, 11 Feb 2019 16:03:19 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_ccasimage3-561974.jpg?10000Lord Mayor of London travels to Asia to build City linkshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-travels-to-asia-to-build-city-links/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-travels-to-asia-to-build-city-links/The Lord Mayor of the City of London Peter Estlin will begin a 12 day visit to Asia today (11 February) to strengthen links between the UK and cities across the region.

Over the next two weeks the Lord Mayor will travel to Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore for discussions with government, regulator and industry leaders on building closer cooperation in areas like fintech, green finance, cyber security and digital skills. He will also provide reassurance about London’s long-term strengths to Asian partners in advance of the UK’s departure from the European Union.

Estlin serves as an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector and visits around 30 key international markets during his year in office to boost trade ties.

The visit forms part of the Lord Mayor’s Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today campaign, which aims to promote innovation and technology, champion digital skills and address digital and social inclusion across the UK and around the world.

In Seoul discussions are expected to focus on the impending launch of a regulatory sandbox (a mechanism allowing innovative businesses scope to test fintech products and services in the real market) by South Korea’s Financial Services Commission. The initiative is based on the successful UK Financial Conduct Authority model, but will be open to use by foreign firms.

Moving to Tokyo, the Lord Mayor will meet with the city’s Governor Yuriko Koike, following her visit to The Mansion House in October. He will also discuss the establishment of a new organisation to promote Tokyo as a global financial centre. Conversations will take place on developing the memorandum of understanding between the City of London Corporation and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which was signed in 2017 and has boosted links in areas including education, asset management, and green finance.

In Hong Kong, the Lord Mayor will use his role as Chair of the UK Government’s Department for International Trade Fintech Steering Board to promote fintech links between the UK and Hong Kong, with his visit coming in the wake of the launch of a new UK government pilot programme supporting UK companies looking to expand into the Hong Kong fintech market. He will also hold meetings around how both cities can work together in Belt and Road Financing through our membership of the Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office, a body run by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority which facilitates infrastructure investment.

In his final stop Singapore, Estlin will meet with government and regulatory leaders including the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Second Minister for Finance. He will hold a talk with students in the city about digital skills and the future of fintech.

Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin said:

“Significant long-term opportunities for the UK are to be found in Asia. The world is pivoting East, and we cannot afford to be left behind.

“By 2025 Asia is forecast to account for nearly half the world’s GDP. This seismic shift in the global economy presents huge opportunities for the UK to strengthen mutually beneficial ties across Asia as demand for the services and expertise provided by City firms continues to grow.”

“Through my mayoral theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today’, I’m working hard to build bridges with cities across the globe that enable us to fully leverage the opportunities of the digital era by delivering tangible exchanges of innovation, skills and knowledge. This visit aims to do just that.”

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

“High growth markets in Asia represent a major opportunity for British firms, particularly in areas like fintech where the UK has significant comparative advantage.

“Putting Britain at the heart of the world’s fastest growing regions is at the core of my international economic department’s mandate and that’s why we will potentially seek accession to CPTPP which represents over 13% of global GDP and £97bn of current UK trade.

“The Lord Mayor’s efforts in promoting UK industry abroad are invaluable and we will continue to work with the City of London to showcase our world-leading expertise.”

Peter Estlin is a Senior Adviser to Barclays plc having joined in 2008. Most of his career has been spent in banking, initially as CFO for Salomon Brothers Asia, then CFO for Citigroup’s Investment and Corporate Banking divisions in New York and London. He joined Barclays in 2008 as Group Financial Controller and has been CFO of the Retail & Business Banking and Non-Core divisions as well as Acting Group CFO.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,Peter estlin,asia,Japan,Hong Kong,Singapore,Seoul,South Korea,Koike,TokyoMon, 11 Feb 2019 10:01:04 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_lmpeterestlin1.jpg?10000The future vision for the City of London’s Bank junction is unveiledhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/the-future-vision-for-the-city-of-londons-bank-junction-is-unveiled/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/the-future-vision-for-the-city-of-londons-bank-junction-is-unveiled/The City of London Corporation’s Planning & Transportation Committee has agreed the first phase of its future vision for Bank junction.

This previous accident hotspot, has undertaken a transformation over the last two years, starting with a safety experiment which was made permanent in September 2018. The experiment saw the number of vehicles reduce from approximately 1,300 vehicles an hour to now allowing only buses and cycles to cross during the restricted period of 7am – 7pm each day.

Elected members have now voted to proceed with the next stage of the long-term transformation.

As part of the ‘All Change at Bank’ project, enhancements will make the junction a walkable, enjoyable space with new seating, and shaded and sheltered areas. The vision looks to retain the ability for some vehicle access, while achieving further restriction of two or three arms of the junction to create an area that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists – in line with the ambitious proposals set out in the City’s draft Transport Strategy.

Chris Hayward, Planning & Transportation Committee Chairman at the City of London Corporation said:

“Although this image only hints at what the area could look like, it paints a picture of how this iconic junction could one day appear.

“We listened to members of the public, local businesses and other stakeholders as part of our work to create safer, healthier streets.

“Our data shows that the number of pedestrians using the junction has risen in recent years. With the completion of works to upgrade London Underground’s Bank Station due in 2022, these numbers will only increase.

“It is vital that we take the next steps to meet this future demand.”

Proposals for the next phase of work, expected later in 2019, will investigate the future potential for highways alignment, public realm designs and achievable vehicle mix.

The ‘Bank on Safety’ experimental scheme was part of ‘All Change at Bank’, an improvements programme which describes the City Corporation’s broader aspirations and long-term proposals for Bank junction.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,city of london,city of london corporation,bank junction,safety,road safety,bank scheme,pedestrianisation,bank on safety,all change at bank,bank station,chris haywardTue, 05 Feb 2019 12:18:16 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_bankjunctionoption2-106673.jpg?10000City of London Corporation announces 2019 outdoor arts programme, Fantastic Featshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-announces-2019-outdoor-arts-programme-fantastic-feats/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-announces-2019-outdoor-arts-programme-fantastic-feats/London’s historic achievements across architecture, engineering and invention provide the focus of an exciting series of public events commissioned by the City of London Corporation next year.

Fantastic Feats: the building of London (31 May – 1 December) will celebrate London’s long-standing history of architectural and engineering firsts, and looks at how these innovations have contributed to improving the lives of Londoners over past centuries.

The programme is inspired by a number of key historical dates in these fields, including the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir Joseph William Bazalgette (1819–91), the civil engineer responsible for creating London’s sewer system, which was key to relieving the city of cholera epidemics; the 125th anniversary of the completion of Tower Bridge; and the joint 150th anniversary of the openings of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct.

There will be a wide range of events, exhibitions, guided walking tours, street theatre, and art installations including a special commission by French artist Olivier Grossetête, best known for his giant outdoor architectural recreations of landmark buildings in cardboard. Street performances, featuring aerial and pyrotechnic displays, will also feature in the programme, as well as a 360-degree film experience of The City’s history inside Dome 360 and a moving trail of choregraphed dancers across the City with Willi Dorner’s ‘Bodies in Urban Spaces’.

The events will take place around the Square Mile over six months, alongside London-wide initiatives through collaborations with multiple partners, including Culture Mile, the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), and Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Partner initiatives include the River View design competition run by the City Corporation in collaboration with LFA and Illuminated River Foundation to encourage greater public interaction with the River Thames, as well as the Illuminated River Project, which will create the world’s longest public art commission by illuminating up to 15 central London Thames bridges; led by American artist Leo Villareal and London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. The first four bridges (London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Cannon Street Bridge and Millennium Bridge) will be lit in the City in summer 2019.

‘Architecture of London’, a new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery, will run from 31 May to 1 December to explore how the capital’s buildings have been depicted by, and provided inspiration for, artists over the centuries.

Graham Packham, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said:

“Over the course of its six-month run, ‘Fantastic Feats’ will celebrate some fascinating achievements, using a wide range of events including street theatre, music, art, and walks aimed at highlighting their significant impact upon London and Londoners.

“My colleagues and I at Guildhall are looking forward to the programme, and to being reminded of how remarkable – and fantastic - these feats were.”

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Guildhall Art Gallery, is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £100m every year.

The City Corporation is leading the development of Culture Mile along with its core partners the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra and Museum of London. Stretching from Farringdon to Moorgate Culture Mile is a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes £110m funding from the City Corporation to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and £2.5m to support the detailed business case for the proposed Centre for Music.

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City and supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

Guildhall Art Gallery

Established in 1886 as a ‘Collection of Art Treasures worthy of the capital city,' the gallery exhibits work dating from 1670 to the present, including 17th-century portraits, Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and a range of paintings documenting London's dramatic history.

London Festival of Architecture

The London Festival of Architecture celebrates London as the global hub for architecture. The festival returns to the capital from 1–30 June 2019 with a lively and diverse programme of public events across London exploring the theme of ‘boundaries’.

Illuminated River

The Illuminated River is a long-term art commission to light up to 15 central London Thames bridges with a unified kinetic light artwork capturing the spirit of the River and its diverse communities. Led by American artist Leo Villareal and London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, it will be the longest public art commission in the world at 2.5 miles in length, along 4.5 nautical miles of the River Thames.

Culture Mile is a corner of London’s working capital, where creativity is fast becoming the most valuable currency. Led by the City of London Corporation, together with the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London, the five partners are leading the animation of the whole neighbourhood with imaginative collaborations and events. Culture Mile brings commerce and culture together in a wealth of creativity. Known meets unknown. Ancient and modern collide as the streets are activated by exhibitions, gigs, pop-ups and events. So, whether you’re with family, friends or flying solo, there’s something for everyone. And thanks to Crossrail’s new Elizabeth Line connections at Farringdon and Moorgate, the area is more connected than ever.

Join us today where two thousand years of history collide with the world’s best culture. www.culturemile.london

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) is London's leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts and, in the words of The Guardian, makes an “unrivalled contribution to the happiness of the people of London”. Founded in 1996, GDIF 2018 featured over 100 performances by dozens of national and international companies with more than 50,000 people attending shows in a range of public spaces in Royal Greenwich and East London. GDIF forms part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals, an annual series of high-quality events organised by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to celebrate cultural vibrancy.

]]>news,architecture,london,thames,Illuminated River,Fantastic Feats,London Bridge,Tower Bridge,Millennium Bridge,Blackfriars Bridge,Culture MileTue, 05 Feb 2019 11:15:49 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_fantasticfeats-191908.jpg?10000Head of State Bank of India UK Operations honoured by City Corporationhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/head-of-state-bank-of-india-uk-operations-honoured-by-city-corporation/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/head-of-state-bank-of-india-uk-operations-honoured-by-city-corporation/The outgoing Regional Head of the State Bank of India’s UK operations, Sanjiv Chadha, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting UK-India relations.

Mr Chadha took up his position at the helm of the 98-year-old London office of the State Bank of India in 2014. The bank announced the launch of its UK subsidiary in April of last year. Mr Chadha is succeeded in his role by Sharad Chandak, who was also present at the ceremony.

Mr Chadha was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by the Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin and Sheriff Vincent Keaveny. His Freedom ceremony at Guildhall on Monday began with him reading aloud the Declaration of a Freeman and ended with him being greeted by Murray Craig, Clerk to the Chamberlain's Court, as a ‘Citizen of London’ and the presentation of his framed parchment certificate.

Mr Chadha is the latest distinguished Indian national to have received the Freedom. Previous recipients include Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the Republic of India in 1947.

Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin said:

“The Freedom of the City of London is a very special and ancient tradition, bestowed to recognise an individual’s remarkable contribution to London or public life, or an outstanding achievement.

“My colleagues and I are delighted to nominate Sanjiv Chadha for the Freedom of the City of London. He’s been an excellent voice leading the Indian banking community and overseeing significant investment into the City.

“The State Bank of India is one of the oldest and most respected foreign banks in the Square Mile. Mr Chadha has been instrumental in expanding the bank’s presence across the UK, and in boosting wider bilateral ties in financial services.”

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade; and today, people are nominated for, or apply for, the Freedom, because it offers them a link with the historic City of London and one of its ancient traditions.

The Freedom is also offered to individuals by the City of London Corporation to help celebrate a significant achievement, or to pay tribute to their outstanding contribution to London life or public life. High-profile recipients include Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, J.K. Rowling, Dame Eileen Atkins, Plácido Domingo, Lord Norman Foster, Sir Michael Caine, and Damian Lewis.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

For more information contact:

Nathan Rodgers, Media Officer for Asia

City of London Corporation

Nathan.rodgers@cityoflondon.gov.uk

0207 332 3451 / 07864 625086

]]>News,SBI,State Bank of India,Freedom,city of London,India,Sanjiv ChadhaTue, 05 Feb 2019 11:12:00 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_img-0978-218888.jpg?10000Havering students rewarded in Dragons Den style competition at City Livery awardshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/havering-students-rewarded-in-dragons-den-style-competition-at-city-livery-awards/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/havering-students-rewarded-in-dragons-den-style-competition-at-city-livery-awards/Students from Drapers’ Academy in Havering were victorious in a ‘Dragons Den’ style competition hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

The fourth annual Livery Academy Awards grand finale took place at The Mansion House last week.

Other finalists included sixth-form students from Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney and Crayford Academy in Dartford.

Like the popular ‘Dragon’s Den’ television show, each team had to come up with a commercial business idea and present it to a panel of high profile judges.

The winning idea involved the creation of a subscription service for period and sexual health products, called In The Box.

The competition was set up by the Grocers' Company in 2013 and has since been extended to include Drapers and Haberdashers with a grand final for the winners hosted at The Mansion House.

And this year, preliminary events were held in venues across the City.

The awards gave students a chance to develop their business skills by taking part in a series of practical tasks.

Henry Colthurst, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:

“The Livery Awards provide a unique opportunity for students to learn from businesses, visit traditional parts of the City and then showcase ideas, innovation and skills to live audiences.

“Through the Education Board at the City of London Corporation we are playing an important role in developing London’s future workforce, and teaching the skills which enhance employability.

“Congratulations to all the schools that took part and of course, to the Drapers’ Academy for winning the competition.”

Lee Bryant, Head of Sixth Form Title at Drapers’ Academy (Havering)

“We are absolutely delighted to win the competition.

“Our students have grown in confidence over the course of the event and have gained a number of skills including, public speaking, a skill which will stand them in good stead for the future.

“We are thankful to the various Livery Companies and the City of London Corporation for giving us this opportunity, not just to our students but to all young people from the schools that took part.”

All teams were supported by their teachers and two mentors, often young members of the host livery company, who provided financial and creative advice.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

This year’s judging panel were:

James Bilefield

Entrepreneur and Chairman, SThree plc

Tim Campbell, MBE

Founder, Bright Ideas Trust

Sherry Coutu, CBE

Entrepreneur and Chairman, Founders4Schools

Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CBE

BA, FCA, FCIBS, FRSE

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

]]>News,London,Havering,Livery,Awards,City,Education,Dragons Den,Essex,Romford,Mansion House,Lord MayorFri, 01 Feb 2019 13:43:55 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_winners03-994203.jpg?10000Lord Mayor of London records Chinese New Year messagehttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-records-chinese-new-year-message/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lord-mayor-of-london-records-chinese-new-year-message/The Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin has recorded a message for everyone celebrating Chinese New Year in the City of London, the UK and across the world.

As Lord Mayor of the City of London - and the principle ambassador of the UK’s leading international financial and professional services sector at home and abroad, let me wish all those celebrating around the world a very happy, and prosperous, Chinese new year.

As the year of the dog makes way for that of the pig, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the contributions that businesses from China make here in the City, and indeed across the UK.

It’s also the ideal moment to look ahead to the future, and to the challenges and opportunities that 2019 will bring.

As the UK finds a new role for itself on the world stage post-Brexit, it’s now more important than ever before increase our engagement with developing economies where the fourth industrial revolution- the digital revolution if you may- is now well underway.

I therefore look forward to my visits to China in the Year of the Pig, and to celebrating the occasion with my Chinese friends here in the City.

So as the red lanterns glow and families around the world sit down to enjoy hearty meals, here’s hoping for a prosperous new year for all….one filled with happiness, compassion, and most importantly, cooperation.

]]>News,chinese new year,peter estlin,lord mayor of london,CNYFri, 01 Feb 2019 09:28:34 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_cnypic-924036.png?10000City Corporation response to vote on Brexit amendmentshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-response-to-vote-on-brexit-amendments/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-response-to-vote-on-brexit-amendments/Parliament last night (29 January) voted on a range of amendments to the Government’s Brexit proposals. Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“Parliament’s majority last night against the UK crashing out of the European Union without a deal is a welcome signal of intent, as a no-deal Brexit would be a hugely damaging outcome for businesses and households on both sides of the Channel.

“We now need to crack on and renegotiate a withdrawal deal with the EU27 which Parliament can get behind in order to put an end to the current Brexit impasse.

“City firms need certainty about our future relationship with the EU in order to invest and create jobs across the UK. Locking in a legally binding transition period as part of a deal is vital to give the sector time to work through this complex process.

“In the meantime, it is critical that EU regulators urgently address cliff-edge issues such as contract continuity and data flows. These are issues that could disrupt cross-border financial services and prevent firms from serving their customers in the event of a no deal.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the City of London CorporationThe City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The two-month trial targets sites where people place rubbish like coffee cups, newspapers and drinks bottles on ledges rather than taking it away or placing it in a bin.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government funded the trial campaign – a partnership between the City of London Corporation and Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) – which is using mirrored posters in ‘careful littering’ hotspots at Moorgate, Royal Exchange, and Cheapside to highlight the problem.

The reflective mirrors have bold anti-littering messages designed to encourage people to change behaviour and throw their litter in a bin or take it away.

Jeremy Simons, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, said:

“Many people think they are not littering by carefully placing litter on benches, ledges and stairs - and leaving it behind. But careful littering has a real impact on the capital’s street environment.

“The Square Mile has a huge footfall – with over half a million daily commuters coming in and out of the City every day. Our residents, workers and visitors rightly expect the City to be a clean and pleasant place to live, work and visit.

“We hope this new approach will be the intervention that helps change people’s behaviours and reduces littering in the Square Mile.”

Allison-Ogden Newton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said:

“Keep Britain Tidy has a long history of developing, testing and scaling anti-littering campaign solutions.

“We are delighted to be working with the City of London Corporation to test this latest innovation specifically tackling what we term ‘careful littering’, which is prevalent in urban commuter locations.

“If successful, this intervention will join our armoury of proven effective anti-littering solutions available for local authorities to purchase and scale in problem areas.”

The Litter Innovation Fund managed by WRAP, awarded the project a grant of £9,918 which has been 10% match funded by the charity in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant.

If the trial is successful it may be considered for a wider campaign across the Square Mile late in 2019.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the Keep Britain Tidy:

Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) is a leading environmental charity that cares for the environment on your doorstep by eliminate littering, reduce waste and improve public space. KBT run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.

]]>News,littering,anti-littering,clean,streets,campaign,pilot,WRAP,DEFRA,City Corporation,public,behaviour,clean city,reflective mirrorsTue, 29 Jan 2019 16:20:55 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_2.carefullitteringrsquocampaign-680132.jpg?10000City Corporation unveils architects set to design flagship court and police stationhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-unveils-architects-set-to-design-flagship-court-and-police-station/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-corporation-unveils-architects-set-to-design-flagship-court-and-police-station/The City of London Corporation has announced the selection of the architect and lead designer to design a world-class fraud and cybercrime court and new headquarters for the City of London Police, at its Fleet Street Estate site.

The new flagship combined courts facility, which is being developed in partnership with HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and the judiciary, is specifically proposed to tackle fraud and related economic crime, including the expanding area of cyber-crime, while also dealing with business and property work and hearing other criminal cases.

In addition to creating 18 courtrooms, replacing the Mayor’s and City of London County Court, and City of London Magistrates’ Court, the new facility would also benefit from its position close to the Rolls Building, the Royal Courts of Justice, Old Bailey and Inns of Court.

The City of London Police HQ will be designed to provide a modern, state-of-the-art operational base to protect the business and wider community from complex future policing requirements.

The assessment process for the competition to select an architect and lead designer focused on design approach and practice ethos. As part of the process, initial design ideas were invited from the shortlisted practices AHMM, Allies and Morrison, Bennetts Associates, HawkinsBrown, and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

High quality responses included a range of initial design approaches in terms of the landmark nature of the combined court, security and resilience of the Police HQ and took design constraints into account such as the protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the effect of views of neighbouring St Bride’s Church, archaeological risk, and the approach to pedestrian access provided by medieval alleyways.

The architect selection panel said:

“We are grateful to all the applicants for their efforts and the breadth of creativity and talent demonstrated by the six, highly respected architectural practises who were shortlisted.

“The panel felt that Eric Parry Architects’ approach and initial design ideas sought to maximise the value of this flagship site, while acknowledging the history of law and the City’s heritage and meeting the City Corporation, City Police and HMCTS’s aspiration for a new innovative UK centre for justice.”

Sir Michael Snyder, Chairman of the Capital Buildings Committee at the City of London Corporation said:

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a ground-breaking, modern facility that meets the needs of the judiciary and the City of London Police. It’s positive to see the combined courts and City Police project take another significant step forward with the appointment of this world-class team of architects.”

Eric Parry, Founder and Principal of Eric Parry Architects said:

“We are thrilled to have been awarded this commission for the design of a complex and vitally important group of buildings that will provide a new civic quarter both for the City of London and the country.”

HMCTS, Chief Executive Officer, Susan Acland-Hood said:

“This announcement brings a new court for the City – with a focus on economic crime – one step closer; and we are delighted that the City of London Corporation have secured a world class team of architects to take this project forward.”

Images of the proposed scheme will be available as the concept design develops later this year.

The City Corporation completed the purchase of 68-71 Fleet Street, approved, in principle, to form part of the estate for the proposed new flagship combined courts facility in November 2018.

]]>news,city of london,city of london corporation,courts,cyber courts,cyber crime,combined courts,fleet street,fleet street estate,architects,architect,eric parry,parry architects,eric parry architects,hmcts,HM Courts and tribunal service,city of london police,police stationMon, 28 Jan 2019 13:09:05 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_fleetstreetlookingeast2016-credit-cityoflondoncorporation-662387.jpg?10000£123k cash injection for city farm’s educational workhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/123k-cash-injection-for-city-farms-educational-work/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/123k-cash-injection-for-city-farms-educational-work/London’s second oldest city farm has received £123,600 of funding to boost its educational work with schools.

City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, awarded the money to Freightliners City Farm, in Islington.

The grant will pay for a Farm Development Manager to run new local education and community projects.

The farm already hosts around 45,000 visits a year including pupils from local schools. Its diverse range of animals include goats, sheep, cows and Kunekune pigs.

Backed by 60 volunteers, the new post will also manage the community café and lead on site improvements like transforming its ornamental gardens.

Freightliners City Farm has been operating for 40 years on its site in Paradise Park.

The charity provides a safe haven for local residents and communities in a densely populated part of London.

The farm gives local children the chance to see farm animals up close in real life – and classes and workshops are run on spinning and weaving, learning about bee keeping and composting.

Alison Gowman, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, commented:

“The farm is extremely popular with local residents, families and schools, with such a wide range of outdoor activities on offer in a dense urban space.

“It is clear this new role will be crucial to the farm’s development and long-term future. Our funding will provide a great opportunity to boost the charity’s educational programmes and to enhance the visitor experience.

“City Bridge Trust is committed to making London a better place to work and live.”

Liz McAllister, of Freightliners City Farm, said:

“Not only does the grant support the farm’s aim to provide a free and open access green space for our local community, but it will enable us to manage a range of activities and programmes which bring our diverse community together.

“At 40 years old, many of our buildings and spaces are in need of a fairly hefty revamp. This new role will mean the farm can closely involve volunteers and wider community as we build new projects.

“It will help to improve the site and facilities for visitors now and into the future as well as providing new crucial opportunities for learning and skills development.”

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of the City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates. It is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital.

The Trust has awarded around 7,900 grants totalling over £390 million since it first began in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

City Bridge Trust is the funding arm of Bridge House Estates, a Registered Charity, with its primary aim the maintenance and support of five Thames bridges: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark, Blackfriars and the Millennium footbridge.

City Bridge Trust was established in 1995 to make use of funds surplus to bridge requirements and provides grants totalling around £20m per year towards charitable activity benefitting Greater London. The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of the Bridge House Estates.

]]>NewsFri, 25 Jan 2019 12:53:36 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_farm1-554867.jpg?10000New £100k Islington school programme to tackle learning loss and hunger during summer holidayshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-100k-islington-school-programme-to-tackle-learning-loss-and-hunger-during-summer-holidays/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-100k-islington-school-programme-to-tackle-learning-loss-and-hunger-during-summer-holidays/A new £100k summer holiday programme tackling learning loss and hunger amongst 450 young people from low-income families has been given the go-ahead.

The City of London Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee and its Education Board backed the two pilot schemes to run in Islington.

One will benefit 200 young people at City of London Academy Highbury Grove (CoLAHG) in the borough, where 70% of pupils are on pupil premium, and over half receive free school meals.

Teachers and staff at the academy will design and deliver the programme, with access given to pupils’ siblings who do not attend the school.

The academy is part of the City of London Academies Trust – the City Corporation’s multi-academy trust – and one of 10 sponsored or co-sponsored by the City Corporation across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark.

And the City Corporation will work with local partners to design a second scheme based in the borough, aimed at up to 250 young people at a community venue.

Evidence shows that during the summer break, children from disadvantaged backgrounds make significant learning losses when compared to their more advantaged counterparts.

In both schemes the young people will be able to take part in a wide range of activities including cooking classes, sports, work skills and cultural activities. The City Corporation will fund the schemes with £100,000.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“We want to make sure children from all socio-economic backgrounds can flourish at school.

“In today’s day and age no child should be going hungry. They should be able to have well-balanced, nutritious meals and access to the experiences which enrich their lives and help them to reach their full potential.

“We are determined to make sure young Londoners have access to the best learning opportunities, empowering them to make a positive contribution to their communities.”

Clare Verga, Executive Principal of City of London Academy Highbury Grove, said:

“This project is a fantastic opportunity to ensure high quality provision of nutritious meals and enrichment activities for a significant number of young people in Islington. The scheme will make a real difference for all those involved.”

The pilot programme’s findings will be used to determine if the they should be continued and extended to other schools in London.

]]>News,London,Islington,Hunger,Food,School,Holidays,Summer,Activities,social mobilityFri, 25 Jan 2019 12:53:14 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_colahighburygrove-341035.jpg?10000City of London Corporation Policy Chair set for first visit to India http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-policy-chair-set-for-first-visit-to-india/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-policy-chair-set-for-first-visit-to-india/The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness is to make her inaugural visit to India from 27 to 30 January 2019 to strengthen ties in financial and professional services.

The Policy Chair, who is the political leader of London’s historic ‘Square Mile,’ or financial district, will travel to Delhi and Mumbai for meetings with senior government and industry leaders to discuss how to boost relations and knowledge sharing in areas like fintech, green finance, (re)insurance and non-performing assets.

During the visit the Policy Chair will launch a new report on regtech. The publication is the third and final document in a fintech-related series produced by the City Corporation alongside PwC India, and outlines UK regtech expertise, the market opportunity in India and a recommendation on how to improve collaboration in the sector.

With the UK’s scheduled departure from the European Union now just weeks away, the visit also aims to provide reassurance to Indian financial firms worried about Brexit, and the risks of a no-deal situation.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“My first visit to India comes at an interesting point in time for both our countries. In the UK our focus remains firmly on Brexit, while in India the conversation is all about the pending budget and elections.

“But while these political issues may dominate headlines for good reason right now, it’s crucial we don’t lose sight of the larger picture and the importance of the strong relationship between our two countries.

“After all, while trade between the UK and India stands at an impressive £18.8bn, there is still enormous potential to expand this relationship even further, and I look forward to discussions with business and government leaders about how we can do this.”

High Commissioner of India to the UK, HE Ruchi Ghanashyam said:

“The City of London Corporation is an important partner of the High Commission of India in London, working closely to boost economic and commercial activities between India and the UK particularly in the fields of financial services and fintech.

“I am delighted to learn that the Policy Chair is visiting India at the end of this month. This visit will foster greater understanding of the City of London in India as well as deepen the already close and strong trade and economic relationship.

“My best wishes to the Policy Chair for a successful and fruitful visit to India.”

Regional Head of State Bank of India (UK Operations), Sanjiv Chadha said:

“SBI is delighted that Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness will make her inaugural visit to India.

“The Bank is pleased to work with the City of London Corporation in further developing relationships in the financial and professional services space.

“It is a relationship that continues to provide unique and important opportunities for growth in both the Asian and UK markets.”

The City Corporation has a longstanding programme of work in India, and opened a representative office in Mumbai ten years ago. 13 Indian banks have offices in London and many have branches across the UK.The Policy Chair will be tweeting from @City_McGuinness during her visit.

ENDS

Notes to editorsThe City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

For more information contact:

Nathan Rodgers, Media Officer for Asia

City of London Corporation

Nathan.rodgers@cityoflondon.gov.uk

44 （0）207 332 3451

44（0）7864 625086

]]>news,India,catherine mcguinness,mumbai,dehli,brexit,city of london,city of london corporationWed, 23 Jan 2019 10:51:15 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinnessphoto-634773.jpg?10000City of London Academy Highgate Hill recognised as a healthy schoolhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-academy-highgate-hill-recognised-as-a-healthy-school/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-academy-highgate-hill-recognised-as-a-healthy-school/An academy in Islington has been recognised as a ‘healthy school’ following an inspection by the council’s Health and Wellbeing Team.

City of London Academy Highgate Hill was awarded the accolade for supporting its pupils’ health and wellbeing. The review looked at the how the academy helps students, families and staff to make healthy choices when it comes to their diet and mental health.

Prince Gennuh, Principal at City of London Academy Highgate Hill, said:

“We want to ensure that our students not only eat healthy but also feel healthy.

“We’re proud to have been recognised as one of four Islington secondary schools to have achieved this award.

“The benefits of good nutrition and wellbeing goes beyond health.

“We know that when we are healthy and happy we achieve more together.”

Last year Highgate Hill introduced a policy for all students to carry a water bottle, which forms part of their uniform. The policy reduces the use of plastic and encourages pupils to stay hydrated.

The school provides nutritious, balanced meals - and free salad is available every day.

As part of the assessment assessors looked at curriculum planning, teaching of physical education, online safety, cooking and nutrition, oral health, budgeting and food safety.

“Congratulations to City of London Academy Highgate Hill on their recognition as an Islington and Camden Healthy School.

“The academy is one of four Islington secondary schools that have achieved this award, which recognises the support they provide for pupil’s health and wellbeing.

“The quality assurance panel were impressed by the academy’s commitment to work in this area and in particular their work with other organisations to support positive mental health and healthy eating.”

City of London Academy Highgate Hill is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sole sponsored academies.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.

]]>News,Health,Healthy,Well being,Water,School,education,food,Islington,LondonTue, 22 Jan 2019 15:12:01 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_942.jpg?10000City of London Corporation’s Special Adviser for Asia Departshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporations-special-adviser-for-asia-departs/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporations-special-adviser-for-asia-departs/The City of London Corporation’s Special Adviser for Asia, Sherry Madera, is to step down after two years with the organisation.

The role saw Ms Madera visit cities across Asia to help the City strengthen its relationship with the region.

Ms Madera will be leaving next month to start a role at Refinitiv, having joined the City of London Corporation in January 2017.

Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness, said:

“Over the last two years, Sherry has been at the forefront of driving forward the City Corporation’s engagement with Asia.“At a crucial juncture for the UK’s position on the global stage, Sherry has worked tirelessly to improve relations between the City of London and some the fastest growing economies in the world.“I would like to thank Sherry warmly for her work and insight, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

Special Adviser for Asia Sherry Madera said:

“Since being asked to lead the City Corporation’s engagement with Asia, it has been a privilege to work with firms across the City of London to strengthen their ties with some of the most exciting economies in the world.

“London is a global financial centre and Asia continues to grow its share of the world’s financial future. Never before has it been more important for the UK to understand the opportunities and challenges in Asia and how this impacts global business. I hope my contributions have helped futureproof the City’s position as a leading international financial centre.

“Based on my frequent engagements in markets such as China, India and Singapore, I am confident the City will remain a leading financial hub after Brexit, and look forward to seeing its global links go from strength-to-strength in the years to come.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,Sherry madera,asia,catherine mcguinness,city of london corporationMon, 21 Jan 2019 10:45:31 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_sherry-300237.jpg?10000Rotherhithe primary school welcomes two maths teachers from Shanghai http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/rotherhithe-primary-school-welcomes-two-maths-teachers-from-shanghai/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/rotherhithe-primary-school-welcomes-two-maths-teachers-from-shanghai/Redriff Primary City of London Academy has this week welcomed two teachers from Shanghai to teach maths and to showcase lessons to dozens of other local teachers.

The two primary school teachers, Vanessa Ruan and Anne Zhu, will be teaching at the Salter Road school as part of the Department of Education sponsored China-England teacher exchange.

In 2015 Redriff Primary was chosen “as leading provider” of maths teaching.

The school was accepted as new members of the nationwide ‘Maths Hub’ and last year Redriff was in the top 3% of schools nationally for progress in maths.

The ‘Maths Hub’ is a partnership of schools across UK, split into local divisions, which collaborate, and share information and practices related to the teaching of Mathematics.

Mickey Kelly, Executive Headteacher for Redriff Primary City of London Academy, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the teachers over from Shanghai. Though geographically distant we share an enthusiasm for teaching and a determination for children to succeed in Mathematics.

“East Asian countries have been paving the way for excellence in teaching mathematics for several years, ranking top places in international tests.

“Their ‘mastery’ approach to teaching mathematics is beginning to heavily influence practices in the UK.

“We are always asking children to learn something new, to take on board new methods to try a different thing. We need to take a leaf from our own book, to look at what works in other countries and to magpie their best ideas.

“If our children and our country is to thrive in a global economy - we need to be up there with the best.”

In 2018 in the subject of Mathematics, Year 6 pupils achieved well above national averages.

Last year a school in Shanghai hosted two of Redriff’s teachers as part of the same exchange programme.

Inspired by teaching approaches developed in Singapore and Shanghai, ‘mastery’ is an inclusive way of teaching that is grounded in the belief that all pupils can achieve in maths.

A concept is deemed mastered when learners can represent it in multiple ways, can communicate solutions using mathematical language and can independently apply the concept to new problems.

The teachers will be at the school for a fortnight starting January 14. They will end their stay with two showcase lessons for teachers from around London South East boroughs to observe, followed by a post lesson discussion.

Redriff Primary City of London Academy is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City Corporation’s sole sponsored academies. The school was awarded the ‘Schools for Success’ accreditation from the Mayor of London for pupil progress.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

The City of London Corporation has a unique family of schools comprising one maintained primary school, 10 sponsored or co-sponsored academies in London boroughs, and three independent schools of which two are located within the Square Mile.

The City of London Corporation sponsors, co-sponsors or governs the following schools:

Co-sponsored academies

O City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City University)

O The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academies Trust:

O City of London Academy (Southwark)

O Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

O Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

O City of London Primary Academy Islington

O City of London Academy Highgate Hill

O City of London Academy Highbury Grove

O City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

O Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

O Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School

Independent:

O City of London School

O City of London School for Girls

O City of London Freemen’s School

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>News,Maths,School,Shanghai,China,Students,Southwark,Teaching,RedriffThu, 17 Jan 2019 16:45:44 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_img-5469-561536.jpg?10000Ancient charity looking forward to delivering greater benefit for Londonhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ancient-charity-looking-forward-to-delivering-greater-benefit-for-london/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ancient-charity-looking-forward-to-delivering-greater-benefit-for-london/Following an in-depth analysis of historic documents relating to the Bridge House Estates (BHE) charity, it has been confirmed that a significant portion of the charity’s funds are held as an endowment.

The analysis was undertaken by the BHE’s trustee, the City of London Corporation. The work is part of a wider ongoing review into the governance of the charity to ensure BHE operates most effectively in fulfilling its charitable objectives, and in recognition of changes to charity law and practice over the last 10 years.

Following this confirmation, and as part of the ongoing review, the City of London Corporation will now consider if further charitable funding might be available to be distributed for the benefit of Londoners.

BHE is a registered charity and originates from ancient gifts of property given some 900 or more years ago on trust in connection with the maintenance of London Bridge. Its primary aim now is to maintain and support five River Thames bridges – Blackfriars Bridge, London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Tower Bridge.

Once the responsibilities relating to the bridges have been met, the charity can distribute any surplus income for the benefit of Londoners, currently through its charitable funding arm, City Bridge Trust (CBT).

Since 1995, when these new powers were given to the BHE charity, CBT has awarded more than 7,900 charitable grants totalling over £390 million.

The analysis of historic documentation relating to the charity – with records reaching back over 800 years – has allowed the charity to confirm BHE’s endowment funds and reconstitute their value in the charity’s financial statements to reflect this position.The Draft Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017/2018 for BHE were approved by the City Corporation’s Audit and Risk Management Committee and Finance Committee on 15 January and are available here.

This analysis gives greater clarity about the nature of the charity’s funds and how these may be used in the future.

Having established the value of its permanent endowment fund, BHE has now identified that it has £374m of free reserves. It is now considering how much of these funds should be kept as reserves, and, hence, how much additional charitable funding might be available to be distributed for the benefit of Londoners.

These show that the total value of funds held by the charity as of the 31 March 2018 is £1.395bn, an increase of 4.1% on 2016/17, with £831.6m now held as a permanent endowment fund.

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of City of London Corporation’s Finance Committee, said:

“This is an important moment for Bridge House Estates. By confirming the permanent endowment, the charity will now be able to move forward with greater certainty.

“This will ensure that Bridge House Estates will continue to meet fully its responsibilities to London, both as the steward of five major bridges and as a major funder of charitable activity in the capital.”

As trustee, the City of London Corporation holds the charity’s funds with a focus on preserving capital to generate future income to meet the objectives of the charity.

“Parliament’s decision to reject the Government’s deal means businesses across the UK will continue to face uncertainty regarding our relationship with the European Union.

“The Government must now urgently set out its ‘Plan B’ to ensure we can secure a deal locking in a legally binding transition before 29 March.

“Financial stability must not be jeopardised in a game of high-stakes political poker. Politicians across all parties should work together pragmatically to avoid a no-deal Brexit, which would be a hugely damaging outcome for households and businesses on both sides of the Channel.

“In the meantime, it is critical that EU regulators urgently address cliff-edge issues such as contract continuity and data flows. These are issues that could disrupt cross-border financial services and prevent firms from serving their customers. We need firm action, not just rhetoric, to deal with these issues in the coming days and weeks.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

]]>news,BrexitTue, 15 Jan 2019 20:55:20 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/942/500_catherinemcguinness.png?10000New opportunities await as Lord Mayor of London visits Kuwait and UAEhttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-opportunities-await-as-lord-mayor-of-london-visits-kuwait-and-uae/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-opportunities-await-as-lord-mayor-of-london-visits-kuwait-and-uae/Opportunities in emerging areas such as fintech and green finance will be high up the agenda as the Lord Mayor of London, global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services industry, visits Kuwait City, Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the next week (12-17 January) to strengthen trade and investment ties.

Lord Mayor Peter Estlin, who took office in November, will meet with sovereign fund investors and senior figures from the region’s financial sector during the visit, including the Kuwait Investment Authority, Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi Investment Council.

Kuwait and the UAE are among the fastest growing markets for UK services globally, with total services trade at £5.6bn with the UAE and £1.5bn with Kuwait as of 2017, up 90% and 76% respectively over the last decade.

As the UK prepares to leave the EU, he will be reiterating the underlying strengths and depth of the industry in both the UK and London, accompanied by delegation of five leading UK organisations.

The Lord Mayor will also discuss emerging opportunities for collaboration between the region and the UK, and will underline the common commitment between the UK, Kuwait and UAE towards free and open trade.

While in Kuwait, he will announce that a Scholarship will be awarded to one exceptional student from Kuwait as part of the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme. This award will be the fifth such Scholarship awarded in Kuwait since the scheme began in 1997.

The City is the global leader for currency trading, fintech, cross-border banking, asset management and much more. It is also the leading centre for Islamic finance outside of the Islamic world, with over £2.5 trillion in assets invested here.

Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin said:

“I’m delighted to be visiting Kuwait and UAE for my first overseas visit of 2019. In these two countries there is huge further potential for collaboration with UK companies.

“British business and innovation across financial and professional services has much to offer partners in the region, whether it be in currency trading and asset management, or growing areas like fintech and green finance.

“I’m looking forward to meeting key stakeholders in the region to scope out new partnership opportunities and boost collaboration as we embark upon a new chapter in our trading history.”

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP, said:

“As the UK takes control of its independent trade policy for the first time in 40 years, markets such as the UAE will provide exciting export and investment opportunities for UK companies.

“My international economic department stands ready to drive trade between our two countries, and I would encourage any business that wants to build or strengthen ties with their UK counterparts to contact our regional Trade Commissioner, Simon Penney, as well as our network of overseas offices.”

Waqas Samad, CEO, Benchmarks, FTSE Russell said:

“FTSE Russell has been present in the Gulf for a number of years helping provide a wide range of benchmark and analytic solutions to facilitate the growing demand from international investors looking to invest in the region. We are therefore delighted to be joining the Lord Mayor’s delegation to the Gulf, aimed at strengthening the relationships between our markets.”

Peter Estlin is a Senior Adviser to Barclays plc having joined in 2008. Most of his career has been spent in banking, initially as CFO for Salomon Brothers Asia, then CFO for Citigroup’s Investment and Corporate Banking divisions in New York and London. He joined Barclays in 2008 as Group Financial Controller and has been CFO of the Retail & Business Banking and Non-Core divisions as well as Acting Group CFO.

“At today’s Court of Common Council, Elected Members voted in favour of beginning the process by which Aung San Suu Kyi’s Honorary Freedom could be revoked.

“The Freedom Applications Committee will now write to Aung San Suu Kyi to inform her of the proposal to revoke the award and will consider her response before a final decision is made.

“The City of London Corporation condemns the shocking humanitarian abuses carried out in Myanmar, and has already written to the Ambassador for Burma to express its profound concern about the current situation in his country.”

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors:

The Court of Common Council made the decision after debating a motion put forward by Elected Member Munsur Ali. The full text of the motion is available here.

The City Corporation’s Freedom Applications Committee will now write to the Freeman outlining the reasons for the proposed revocation, and an appropriate length of time will be allowed for a response and for representations to be made.

The Freedom Applications Committee will then consider the response, if any is received, together with all other relevant considerations, and decide whether or not to proceed with revocation of the award.

If the Freedom Applications Committee decides to proceed towards revocation, the matter will be put before the Court of Common Council for a final decision to be made in due course.

]]>news,Honorary Freedom,Honorary Freeman,Aung San Suu Kyi,Myanmar,Burma,Guildhall,Rohingya,revocationThu, 10 Jan 2019 16:59:03 +0100https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_942.jpg?10000New programme helping computer science students into London tech start-up jobshttp://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-programme-helping-computer-science-students-into-london-tech-start-up-jobs/
http://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-programme-helping-computer-science-students-into-london-tech-start-up-jobs/A new programme helping computer science students into jobs with London tech-start-ups has been announced.

The scheme will be funded by £40,000 from the City of London Corporation and delivered by start-up experts Capital Enterprise, a body of connectors, influencers, investors and policy makers, who together collaborate to serve London’s tech startup ecosystem.

The funds will match 40 postgraduate and undergraduate students in London to tech/digital business roles for eight-12 weeks – with all placements paid the London Living Wage.

The initiative aims to enhance student skills and employability and provide a boost to businesses and universities.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said:

“There is an ever-increasing need for digital skills in the workplace. This new programme will help London’s firms, universities and students – and it is an investment in the wider economy.

“We know that there is mismatch of skills between computer science graduates and the needs of the capital’s businesses, who are facing a shortage of suitable skills.

“We are committed to ensuring London maintains its position as the global hub for fintech – and for businesses this will add fresh talent whilst boosting productivity.”

John Spindler, CEO of Capital Enterprise, said:

“London is home to some of the best tech companies and creative minds in the world.

“With this initiative, we will bridge the gap between London’s freshest talent and tech start-ups, offering young people a viable path into one of the world’s leading tech hubs whilst addressing the demand for digital talent.

“We are thankful for the generous support of the City of London Corporation in maintaining London’s competitive advantage in the tech sector.”

The City of London Corporation recognises that in supporting digital skills that there are huge potential benefits for all our communities in London, whether these are in creating employment and improving skills, or raising awareness of efforts to move towards greater financial inclusion.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Chandni Tanna

Media Officer

City of London Corporation

0207 332 1528

0772 563 6917

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.